Join me in PROTEST: I plan to position white tape over my mouth Friday the 9th of January. Displaying that the officials we, the people, elected are silent on the murderous reign in Gaza. The tape will have the following written on it:
Israel is DEAD WRONG, and the US Capitol is full of COWARDS.
What say you?
Commentary:
On January 5, 2009 I did what most Americans did: I pressed forward with my life on this first Monday of the New Year. I took advantage of a few end of the year sales before the new year got into full swing too. Can’t forget about that. And, of course I indulged in one of America’s favorite past times: Watched some football. While watching, several highlights got my attention – but what stood out the most was how much reverence a few of the players gave to God. If I did not see a player in the end zone looking up, arms extended, and mumbling – I heard a player say something along these lines while being interviewed because he was the star of the game: ‘First, allow me to give thanks to God. If not for him we would not be here and I would not have had such a great game.’
What does Gaza have to do with football, God, and the New Year? Evidently nothing!
The coverage of NFL playoffs and college bowl games must be the blockade that’s preventing us (Americans) from raising holy hell in defiance of Israel’s unrelenting murderous assault on the innocent citizens of Gaza, the Palestinians. Mostly women and children, by the way. What else could it be? We have been too sport-ly occupied with Colt McCoy and Donavon McNabb. I understand that…I suppose??? However, the cold-hearted Israeli leaders that the American government support must be aware that it is ‘win or go home time’. Our attention is not in the direction of CNN. What difference would it make anyway considering Israel’s military has restricted foreign press from entering Gaza? ESPN probably has more couch potato drive-bys these days anyway.
As these religiously misguided athletes (primarily black) give glory to God via a prayer or hand gesture after a touchdown rightfully desperate praying men, women, and children are dodging Israeli missiles. Missiles that military commanders claim are targeted for Hamas’ leader dwellings. I assume that schools are launching pads for Hama’s bombs. I doubt that! And, let’s just say that the schools are storage facilities for weapons, isn’t there another method to take other than blowing the arm off of a five year old child?
The audacity to think and believe that God is the guiding force behind a stiff arm into an area of the field that has Fiesta Bowl written in huge letters is not only ignorant – but foolish! Guess I should go get me some Tostitos? All the church theatrics on the football field while bombs kill pregnant women. Seems strange to me, but ‘life’ must go on in the Great Nation. I wonder if God is in the end zone or in a Gaza village? You tell me after Googling: Death toll in Gaza. He watching football.
I think I have made my point without ranting this time. Did I?
Before I try my best not to explode in a crying tizzy please help me with two questions:
Why is the United States government including Mr. Obama so slow to address this repeated crisis with persuasive authority?
Is the United States government and its notable leaders slow to speak out against Israel’s actions because Israel has strategically cocooned herself with ‘you have to side with us, we are The Jews’ verbal diarrhea (speak against the Jesus killers and be labeled anti Semitic)?
Not that it matters, I am just a struggling writer/author, Israel is out of line; and they need to be reprimanded with a heavy hand (sanctions) from the international community. But, the political beating must come from someone other than me and a couple thousand protesters. We are just a loud voice that has not been heard in years.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2009/01/05/amanpour.gaza.hospital.cnn
"It’s hard to imagine what being in Gaza does to someone’s will until you’ve come here. You no longer feel alive, in fact, you’re not living; you’re just killing time until some sort of change happens."-Kenneth Ring
Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by: Israel is PERVERSE, and no one with clout ever says so out loud.
24 comments:
Reader Response:
I really liked this piece, has a lot of validity. How about I am fresh off a debate in relation to this (lol).. Seems you can't have an opinion on God's presence in the world w/o major criticism! Anyway, well said bro. Payne!!
-AC
Muata Responds to AC:
All I am asking God to do is show Himself. Save those who are innocent. The kids in Gaza are. Kids all over the world are not guilty and do not deserve this senseless crap.
I am ready to have a knock down drag out fight with Mr. Jehovah. He is not answering my questions.
Israel is wrong!
This whack-azz country supports them too. So much, that they sit back and allow women and children to be slaughtered.
I detest this government!
-Muata
Reader Response:
I read with interest: your commentary.
This fighting between Isreal and Palestine has been in existence forever. They have been fighting forever over that strip of land. I thought it was settled when Carter was president. I have heard Biblical scholars refer to the situation in the Bible. The situation seems to simmer and then begin again.The Arabs who reside in Greensboro have already protested. Perhaps you are correct in your assessment about the US siding with the Jews. Obama did speak out this evening on the news, but I was not listening.
-WJ
Muata responds to WJ:
Obama will be like the rest: He will speak carefully in order not to upset the Jews; and when he does he will officially be among the politician club: Get elected and become a mute on this issue. This of course is when I will lose respect for him like I have lost it for MOST elected officials.
-Muata
Reader Response:
My family and I have been talking about this for days. It makes me sick to my stomach actually. I do not agree about the comment about Obama, however. I also do a lot of political blogging in my spare time and one comment I made yesterday is that he is damned if he does and damned if he does not. If he is too vocal and comments, he will be criticized and because he is not commenting he is being criticized. He is doing the right thing. He will be the President in two weeks...I will be there to watch in DC. He can comment after that. I think Israel's timing is significant and disturbing and as a mother, I am angry that people are not outraged that kids are being killed/injured. These folks have no where to run due to geography and blockades. They are being treated like cornered animals. I have to admit though, I did watch McNabb!!! Love him! LOL I had to lighten it up a little.
-PD
Muata responds to PD:
I think it is easy:
Some 178 thousand dollar paid politician needs to do what is right and say something regardless of what it may cost him/her. Saying nothing breeds inaction. Thus the reason it has been a Middle East Crisis for decades.
95 percent of them sit around on their hands while their tongues are self tied so that they can stay in office. Be a damn real leader: speak out! Be like the ones who died for what was right. I have respect for these dead (a few still alive) men and women.
I hope my respect for BObama is not lost through/during this murderous time. President or not, he has an obligation to a Higher Authority. That authority needs for someone to be like His biblical son. Sacrifice for the Greater Good. Aren't women and children worthy of the support? Oh! They have to be European looking. The people of Gaza are a little too 'colored'. Pathetic!!
God is waiting!
I am praying President Obama does not become what he convinced us Washington was full of to attain our votes. He controls that.
The real test has begun.
Time shall tell.
-Muata
Reader Responses:
I agree. Obama claims to be a multi tasker......He needs to step up! I am one of his biggest supporters and I know he has alot on his plate....but this issue deserves immediate action.
-EJ
WOW!!!
-PM
Reader Response:
I am of the opinion that it is far to easy for developed nations to do what Israel is doing. Why exactly are we beholden to them for anyway? What do they do to support us? This is bigger than Hamas "hating" jewish folks or even Al-Qaeda "hating" our freedom. In fact both of those notions are ridiculous and naive to me. A little known fact is that before there were Hamas terrorists there were Jewish terrorists that actually had a United Nations official assassinated in the lead up to the creation of Israel. A man so respected that he helped broker the surrender of Germany at the end of WWII and ironically the release of thousands of Jewish people in concentration camps.
People need to look deeper into the reasons for this type of behavior. I make no apologies for terrorism because it is despicable, but, why should I think that bullying is more palatable. Especially when I am the descendant of slaves. I choose to think critically. Also, the news is being reporting from one side and one side only. What is going on over there is a very basic for of Jim Crow or apartheid and that causes people to rebel. Peace sometimes has to come on both sides terms instead of just one.
-LE
Reader Response:
I think President Bush needs to step-up! He is still the President of these United States. How is he allowed to just ignore this issue because he is on his way out of the door? HE IS STILL THE PRESIDENT! Obama cannot do much until January 20, 2009. I am so disappointed in President Bush.
Why is the media not bombarding the airways with PRESIDENT BUSH cowardice and nonchalance approach to Foreign Affairs in last days as President of The United States. Just pathetic!
-Freedom
Reader Response:
How can we as Americans condemn Israel for doing what America has done to Al-Qaida? From reports Hamas has been launching rocket over the border for time now. Can a country defend its citizens?
-HJ
Muata Responds to HJ:
Harvey-
I am so glad you mention that fact.
With this new administration it is time to set it RIGHT. We are in a position to rectify our wrongs by standing up for the innocent.
I for one do not support Hama's actions-but I do stand with the women and children.
There is a way to defend citizens without killing someone's mother or child.
Also, review the body count on both sides, and then tell me if Hama's missiles are effective or not.
So, let's toss it up as: 'war is war'.
Now way, not me. This is reckless and egotistically.
-Muata
Reader PD responds to Muata:
I think you are too militant for politics. lol I say that lovingly. The fact is that as a politician there are rules, protocol and a thing called political capital. He can't lose that capital before he even gets into office by being militant. He already said yesterday in an interview that on January 20th he will have plenty to say...besides...he can say whatever he wants...anyone can, but he is powerless and they will be merely words until he is President.
-PD
Muata responds to PD:
Wow! Playing politics while people die. Amazing and dispecable!
-Muata
Reader HJ responds to Muata:
If they are not effective then why doesn't Hamas stop? They also kill
the innocent. What is it that they want to accomplish? Realistically
there will not be a destruction of Israel. Once you understand that,
everything else is inconsequential.
-HJ
Muata Responds to HJ:
Ask Israel that question. Why don't they stop? They are NOT effective. There is a lot of blame to go around. But, I refuse NOT to acknowledge that Israel is irresponsible with their rocket launches.
My ultimate point:
The US government has done nothing in decades. NOTHING - but point the
finger at the ones who have been trampled by the power of Israel.
History documents this fact. Also, my push has always been for this
cowardice country to do what is right! The US government has not donewhat was necessary in the past until the international community pushed them. Examples: Dafur, Slavery on US soil, denial of civil rights, injustice in the courts, Holocaust, Apartheid, Rwanda, the list goes on.
It is time for someone with in power to call Israel what they are:
Bullies!
-Muata
HJ Responds to Muata:
So I guess I'm supposed to keep waiting for my 40 acres and a mule too?
I understand what you are saying but be realistic. Just because they
were done wrong 50 years ago is no reason to keep up this crusade
against Israel. That is a battle they cannot win. In fact they make
living conditions worse for their own people.
-HJ
Muata Responds to HJ:
No. We should peacefully and strategically demand for what the constitution says is ours.
Our government has successfully convinced the American people that demanding for what is rightfully yours is anti-American, a waste of time, etc. They have successfully lobbied to discredit the people they have crapped on for decades. And, unfortunately they have convinced the American people that people like Rev. Al, Bobby Seale, Angela Davis, Rev. Jackson, and even MLK, Jr. are/were agitators.
Part of the problem is we have not forced to them through political action and protest to do right by the poor, disenfranchised, and the people of Gaza.
Harv, this approach to me is realistic and workable.
The people of Palestine are fighting for righteousness, and the last time I checked this is what the Christian Jesus and the Islamic Muhammad tried to do.
Our government, the world's leader, can and should do the appropriate thing, not the political thing (half-azz/placate) instead of allowing this to go on so that they can not upset Israel.
I expect Obama to be a man of his word. He has promised to change Washington and the way Washington conducts business at home and abroad. He has inspired us, now it is time to stand behind "Yes We Can". It's time!!
You best believe the white and black folk who put him in office are expecting him to side with the people of Gaza. How do I know: His platform was attractive to them. Part of the reason for the attraction: rebellion/resistance of the status quo.
The change he needs to make on this subject:
Condemn Israel (publicly)
Sanction them if they do not stop
When will we see that this ongoing saga is an opportunity for the powerful to saw the WORLD that they care.
Our lives are pointless if we do not stand for something.
Muata Responds to HJ:
I just want him to live up to his promise. I am aware that the nature of the conflict will not cease any time soon. But, what will make me proud of Obama more is if he DOES NOT become Washington. He PROMISED us that he would not. He assured us that he would fight to eradicate the business as usual. This is all I want. For him to be what we felt each and every time he spoke: 'He different than the others.'
We will see. He will be president on the 20th. I am giving him 200 days to address the Middle East Crisis. I said "address" it. If he does not, he will prove to me that he is another...politician full of crap. Scared to lose it all for RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Who is going to their grave in honor?
-Muata
Reader LS comments and shares a poem:
I get it that people respond only to things that interest them but this kind of thinking and ignorance of the issue left millions in Rwanda dead and us blaming the government for not stepping in. All the while we were probably debating the same tired subjects in which most people offer no solutions, rather they spout of some emotional response that is clear evidence of self hatred and bigotry towards others and themselves. I challenge people to become aware not just by watching CNN because if you have kids they WILL be fighting a war directly related to this issue in their lifetime if we focus on some woman wanting to get laid and how wrongly they portrayed Lebron James on a magazine in which he endorsed.
The bomb drops,
Tic tic tic tic,
Toc.
Smoke fills the air,
All you can hear is gun shots.
They say they just want peace,
But the shelling won't stop.
What if they came to ATL or DC,
And blew up your spot?
I bet you'd be fire hot.
Peace through war and killing of women and kids is a tired ass song,
Like the new Beyonce song,
THEY BEEN PLAYIN THAT SHIT TOO DAMN LONG.
No reconciliation,
All the people want is to have their own damn nation.
Palestine is full of oppressed people,
Dying kids
And land mines.
Send your kids to school to learn,
Some return home,
Others die burned.
I can't even write anymore because I am so angered. Seriously, we need to get informed. Those of you who don't know better learn. I won't join BP is his protest as I can't keep my mouth shut that long but I will certainly donate to any cause that is willing to help this situation and hold my elected official accountable through written correspondence and voting. But most importantly engage others in dialogue on the subject because this is one of the most threatening situations in our time. It get's worse every year. To do and say nothing is unacceptable. I applaud those of you who gave opinions and asked questions and I encourage others to at least read and not be turned off by the emails. It's a big deal.
-LS
Muata responds to LS:
LS-
Thanks for the poem. It added so much value to what we are discussing.
I am tired. I almost defeated, Larikus. I even know this going into my day of protest (Friday). But, who I am will not allow me to do nothing. I must because the level of anger I have now has caused so much anxiety. I literally cannot stop panting. Perhaps, the day of silent protest will help me re-focus/catch my breath. Lord, how I wish I was not so passionate for righteousness. Life would be easier. I would be not be in this non-paying human service field. I would have kept running and clearing hurdles until I made a million (w/ endorsements), but my heart left the hurdles after I became a mule at HPU. I knew running was not for me when I was told, "You cannot take piano class. It interferes with your track practice schedule. You will be late for practice by 15 minutes." I would not have read and learned about the struggle. Listen to my uncles. I would have been what so many of Americans are: Mutes. I am tired, my friend. Tired.Tired of cops killing our men (recent Oakland situation) and our men killing themselves (Man robbed at a bar in Atlanta last night. Robbers took his money, and then shot him in the head twice and once in both legs. Where is the silver lining? It is sad at 38 that I know my psychological disposition when death comes a knocking: Horribly Disappointed. Broken by what our country did not live up to: The Great American Promise: Freedom and JUSTICE for ALL.
Sorry if this depressed you. I will watch Keyshia Coles' show now. It will take my mind off Gaza and that young man killed by cops for a few.
-Muata
Reader response:
Israel has never compromised or agreed to any peaceful resolutions w/ anyone...it's their way or the highway. I believe part of the arrogance stems from being married to the U.S.
-TM
Reader Response:
I have found this entire issue VERY disturbing, to say the least. Just heard on Charlie Rose today that Israel is doing this now, particularly because they don't know which way Obama will go, despite putting the adamantly pro-Israel Hillary as Sec of State.
I do beleive that there is enough blame to go around. But we cannot ignore that fact that there are so many civilian casulaties and the death toll is very lopsided. hundreds for Palestinians and under 20 for Israel. While Hamas has been the agitator and possibly using civilians as shields, they know that the Isreali army is notoriously ruthless. So there is a lack of concern for its own citizens. However, Isreal has come under attack by the Red Cross for not letting aid in the GAZA possilbly exascerbating the death toll.
Why all this happening now is so baffling - but the Rose interview (I beleive with Andrea Mitchell _NBC and others) says that they wanted to do this while Obama was not in yet.
I wonder who is really behind this. troubling indeed. BTW God ain't in this. OMHO
-SBZ
Muata responds to SBZ:
You are right, He has NEVER been in this. Totally absent. Nothing unusal from Mr. NWTBF (No where to be found).
Funny how Hilary did a 180. She was once pro-Palestine statehood. She like the rest: which ever way the wind blows!! I fully expect Barack to support Israel.
-Muata
Reader Response:
I'm just getting a chance to soak all of this (the e-mails) in and I wish I could say that I disagree with you statements below but the fact is, you hit the nail on the head (see highlighted). If you are waiting for America to step in and do what's right or what we consider what's right, keep waiting. If you are waiting for America to do what is best for her from a Global Political Standpoint, this will happen 9 out of 10 times. The fact America has supplied weapons (in this incidence and others in the middle east) and then sit back and do nothing when all hell breaks loose should come as no surprise. As far as Obama not speaking up on the subject (which I think he has now), should not come as a surprise either. He is doing what politicians do: Choose their words and fights carefully for the sake of their political careers. I do agree with Free in that G.W. is still the President (which is one of O's points) and that he should act as leader until he's vacated the seat and not a day sooner. It puts us in a poor situation when the current leader says nothing and we expect the future leader to comment but that's just my opinion. In any event, (Also in my opinion) this whole damn world is corrupt and the fighting between Israel and Gaza may just the tip of the iceberg in relation to what may come considering man has fucked this planet almost beyond reconcilliation and that same man, when desperate will go to any lengths to regain what he deems power.
Last thing, I admire you for always not only speaking what you believe in but acting on it as well. Keep being you brother!
-DM
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