betsy

How low can Israeli supporters sink? Actually last night on the Michael Coren Show, the difference between the Israeli and Palestinian supporters was mentioned. Some Palestinian supporters around the world demonstrated acts of violence - from vandalism, to aggressive hostile stance against Israeli supporters, to robbing and terrorizing a Starbucks employees all in the name of the palestine people - and stupidity (a gay group waving the rainbow flag in support of Palestine and Hamas). In contrast, the Israeli supporters who marched were peaceful. And on this board, just check out the hate-filled and idiotic comments of some Palestinian supporters. Reasons for their support to Hamas (let's not quibble and just say it for what it is) are so flimsy and irrational. And one or two of them quite seem to mirror the stupidity and crazy mind-set of those described above and are as radical as Hamas. Go figure.

What is this so-called "disproportionate violence" term being used in war-time? Hamas rockets killed 5 Israeli, therefore Israeli bombings should also limit their kill to 5 Palestinians! Perhaps human-shields-wannabes would like to volunteer to do the tally now instead of playing chicken games with bulldozers? This violence had been going on for years - how many deaths on both sides do you figure had been racked up throughout the years? In my view it's more "humane" this way to pull the problem by its root once and for all. But at least after this, both sides could have some semblance of peace and move on - and hopefully Palestinians will be more wiser not choose a radical loonie fundamentalist like Hamas to lead them in the future. Sure the body count is mounting - what do you expect??? What idiotic leaders would sit back and tell their people to ignore the rockets and just learn to live with them? You're seeing a country whose tolerance and patience had finally reached its end. And I say - well, it's about time! Israel should do everyone the favor and finish it this time.

Yes. They have the same rights. Point the finger of blame in the right direction. So why don't they do something about Hamas? Why do they let Hamas keep using them as shields? We all know Hamas is the real culprit here....

It is a sad and tragic incident.....but sorry to say, Rachel is responsible for her own death. And I've come to that conclusion by reading the information you've provided.

What makes you so sure that the real reason for their desertion boils down to what you say - that they find this war immoral? You are letting your romanticism and your strong anti-war sentiment cloud everything else. For all you know the reasons may just be as simple as....cowardice....or that they can't hack the rigours of military life....the strict discipline...authority....etc.., It's so convenient these days to hide behind the reason that the war in Iraq is immoral! If they do indeed find this war immoral, then as soldiers....they should be brave enough to stand up for what they believe in, and face the consequence of their actions. I do not condemn them for their weakness, and for trying to seek refuge in our country. But now that our court had decided, I do not appreciate the fact that they....or some anti-war radicals or Canadian Iraq supporters....would use these deserters just to score points. Either that, or we are being reduced to nothing more than irritating busy-bodies who just love to impose our values on our nextdoor neighbors. There are far more serious matters that should be addressed. The decision regarding American war deserters had already been given.

It's all about principles, isn't it? That this war is, "predicated on nothing but lies and false propaganda," is just your opinion. Anyway whether you're right or wrong...or whether you're against or for this war is not the point. These soldiers did sign up. It's not for us to interfere how the US wants to deal with their awol soldiers.

I think you're onto something here, Jerry. If peace was truly desired, we'd have peace.

Without the US, how long do you think these treaties will last? Furthermore, let's put these so-called compromises in perspective. A couple of years....or a couple of decades...whenever the terms no longer suit one party....when there's no more economic incentive... how long is long? The only thing sure is that they will end.

My only point is the word you're looking for isn't diplomacy. It's compromise. There's nothing naive in assuming since no lasting compromise between Jews and Arabs has occurred in decades if not centuries that no lasting compromise is about to occur. The only compromises that have been "successful" have been those "forcefully" imposed by the US. Hardly diplomacy. Hardly compromise. Sounds Churchillian? No?

Diplomacy???? How many times should Israel make diplomatic gestures? It doesn't work. What is the use of diplomacy when at the same time the other party is lobbing bombs or running people down with tractors or whatever. Compromise is what is needed. Compromise demands bilateral actions. Diplomacy demands nothing. By definition compromise is each side satisfying each other's demands. If that doesn't happen you don't have compromise, you have war. If it happens that one of the demands of one side is the extermination of the other side.....well? How naive is it to believe that the statement by Hamas that "Hamas no longer requires the extermination of Israel" has any meaning? Here today, exterminate tomorrow?

What's rong with hypocracy? It's a society run by fat people.

You lost your giggle? That giggle implied a lofty insightfulness, an awareness of something that the rest of us surely must've missed. So yes, what the f--- did that have to do with anything?

For a minute there I thought you were actually onto something...Osama says occupiers of the twin towers voted in George who is the Great Satan who would destroy the (muslim) world and so it was alright to zap them; likewise, residents of Gaza voted in Hamas, who is the Great anti-semite who would destroy the civilized world and so it is alright to zap them. Well, I said you may have been onto 'something', not something useful. But it turns out you actually had nothing. I should have learned not to expect your logic to come to a logical conclusion. One group of voters voted for a way of life they support, something positive. The other group voted for a leader who would destroy a race they envy and detest, something most , I think you'd agree, would consider negative. The parallel breaks down before it makes its point. Further, Hamas doesn't care that every Israeli is a potential soldier...every arab in Gaza is a potential suicide bomber/soldier (the ultimate in conscriptive service)...every man, woman and child...so why do you imagine they would find compulsory service offensive? Every Israeli is a target of Hamas because he/she is a Jew. No other reason. It is pure unadulterated hatred of Jews. Period.

Well I guess in order to secure a long-term peace for Israel....Israel might just as well blow itself up into smithereens. The obliteration of Israel is the only answer since most of the Arab world believe that Israel does not have the right to exist. Do you believe peace will ever be achieved if your very existence is the reason why you're always at war? Because your annhilation is the main determined goal of your opponent?

Really go for Hamas and finish this once and for all! Ignore the UN and the global protests. They will always be against Israel, no matter what.

Every religion, including the religion of liberalism, has its own zealots! And what I find disgraceful is the clear anti-semitic sentiments cloaked into this kind of reasoning you have just given! This is nothing more than just a racist view, except that you have not the guts to say plainly: I hate Jews. Oh cut the melodrama! Nazis did not give any warning to the Jews that they were about to be wiped out from the face of the earth! Last time I watched tv, leaflets were being strewn advising the civilians to leave because of the bombing that would happen. The bombing of Gaza is nothing more than just a war strategy. And in fact give credit to Israel for warning civilians - which almost certainly include Hamas militants and their supporters who shamelessly, uncaringly and irresponsibly use their own people as human shields! The parallel you made with Israel and Hitler is so out of this world. No comparison at all, comrade! Actually Hitler isn't that far come to think of it. Look in the mirror and you just might see him. Talk about distorted perspective and warped rationality! Rant at Hamas and tell them to get the hell out of hiding among the children! Anti-semitic, that's all it is!

Putting all threads under one generalized topic can be quite frustrating. It means sifting through all the pages and discussions getting all mixed up. Some of us have limited time to spend. Some topics may want to focus on a specific angle or concern.

QUEBEC got A HUGE crowd supporting the BLOC-PROPPED Coalition. I wonder why.

The Coalition have been fighting for more billions to prop the failing auto sectors....to keep the jobs of aouto workers. You hear Layton speaking and grieving for for this sector everytime he opens his mouth. Here is what these folks make in year 2006. Labor cost per hour, wages and benefits for hourly workers, 2006. Ford: $70.51 ($141,020 per year) GM: $73.26 ($146,520 per year) Chrysler: $75.86 ($151,720 per year) Toyota, Honda, Nissan (in U.S.): $48.00 ($96,000 per year) According to AAUP and IES, the average annual compensation for a college professor in 2006 was $92,973 (average salary nationally of $73,207 + 27% benefits). Bottom Line: The average UAW worker with a high school degree earns 57.6% more compensation than the average university professor with a Ph.D. (see graph above, click to enlarge), and 52.6% more than the average worker at Toyota, Honda or Nissan. Many industry analysts say the Detroit Three, and especially Ford, must be on par with Toyota and Honda to survive. This year's contract, they say, must be "transformational" in reducing pension and health care costs. What would "transformational" mean? One way to think about: "transformational" would mean that UAW workers, most with a high school degree, would have to accept compensation equal to that of the average university professor with a Ph.D. http://mjperry.blogspot.com/2007/07/uaw-pr...-of-market.html WHY DON'T THEY TAKE A PAY-CUT INSTEAD???? Why should we spend billions on these workers when there are millions other Canadians who make so far, far less than them, who makes only minimum wage and struggling to put food on the table? What makes this sector so special to the Coalition???

Is it true that auto workers in assembly lines get $84.00 per hour???

How much support does the Coalition have? You'd think that poll would show a minority lead at the very least considering the supporters of all three parties are combined together. Harper shows a majority support at the moment, so yes....some supporters of the other three are against the Coalition and had moved on to Harper'side. Yes, what goes up must come down. And what is down must go up again. Speaking of "down"....do you think Dion should step DOWN? Do you think Dion will step DOWN?

Yes. The anger and insults from the Oppositions have gotten personal. True leadership should be able to rise above the personal and focus on the job!

I heard and NDP-Lib supporter called the Coalition "A Rae of Hope." It could more accurately be called "Array of Dopes."

I suspected that this could have been planned but I changed my mind when I saw Harper the couple of days before he met with the Governor General. He looked like he did not get any sleep at all. If it's truly a gamble on his part....boy, he's made of steel.

Ha-HA-HA! Who's the ugly?