Prime Minister Receives International Human Rights Award

[White Doors]

The B'nai B'rith "Presidential Gold Medallion" is not a human rights award. B'nai B'rith, for that matter, is not a human rights organization.

The Presidential Gold Medallion award is very specifically an award that recognizes people who have shown a commitment to Zionism.

Yes, and is there anything wrong with that? Zionism is the creation of Israel, the right to self determination for the Jewish settlers that lived there. The same thing has been offered to the Palestinians but it get's repeatedly rejected as they are seemingly more interested in the Jews NOT being there than they are for a second Palestinian sovereign nation.

[Bryan]

Yes, and is there anything wrong with that? Zionism is the creation of Israel, the right to self determination for the Jewish settlers that lived there. The same thing has been offered to the Palestinians but it get's repeatedly rejected as they are seemingly more interested in the Jews NOT being there than they are for a second Palestinian sovereign nation.

I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with Zionism, just that the award is not a human rights award.

[White Doors]

I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with Zionism, just that the award is not a human rights award.

?

Only if you think Jews aren't humans?

And I know you are not saying that.

Think about what you are sayign here

What IS a hman rights award then?

[jbg]

I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with Zionism, just that the award is not a human rights award.

So describe a "human rights award". Is it one for a tribunal that snuffs out free speech? Or one that vindicates rights of "indigenous" head choppers?

[Guest American Woman]

Don't mistake this for a humanitarian award. It's not. It's a friend to Israel award, which there is nothing wrong with, but I'd rather we take a middle road between Israel and Palestine where we might be able to help (as doubtful as any "helping" might accomplish). Steve is no more a humanitarian than I am a Buddhist monk. He's the type that kicks you when you are down as soon as everyone's back is turned. Give him a majority and he'll kick you right in front of everybody. Haha, humanitarian. That makes me laugh.

I don't think it's simply "a friend to Israel award," even though it's an award given by the Jewish community. Harper got the award for:

- Unequivocally supporting Canada’s role in the UN-sanctioned mission in Afghanistan;

- Refusing to sign a resolution denouncing Israel’s right to self-defence at the 2006 Francophonie Summit;

- Suspending relations with the then Hamas-led government in Palestine, for its refusal to renounce terrorism; and

- Delivering a heartfelt apology acknowledging the overtly discriminatory Indian Residential Schools program.

[myata]

I don't think it's simply "a friend to Israel award," even though it's an award given by the Jewish community. Harper got the award for:

I think its an award by a pro-Jewish organisation for an obvious pro Israel (and generally, pro American) shift in Canada's foreign policy. This organisation isn't known to be a champion of universal human rights, and hardly much can be read in it calling its award "humanitarian". PLO could do the same, and give to e.g president of Iran, so? Peace in the area (and associated progress in human rights, for all residents) will be achieved by presenting, and insisting on, just conditions of settlement, not by unilaterally supporting one side in the conflict, as has been the policy of US, and now increasingly, Harper's Canada.

Specifically,

- Unequivocally supporting Canada’s role in the UN-sanctioned mission in Afghanistan;

Propping feeble and corrupt government as a humanitarian project? Let's just say it's an element of (failing) US "domino" policy in the Middle East, which Israel happens to support.

- Refusing to sign a resolution denouncing Israel’s right to self-defence at the 2006 Francophonie Summit;

That creative phrasing most likely meant the full blown war Israel has unleashed on Lebanon, in response to kidnapping of 4 (or 8?) of its soldiers. Definitely, a humanitarian achievement. Just like we do here: a guy heists a bank and takes a hostage, we bomb flat the block where he lives. BTW, according to the latest news, they still demolish alleged terrorists homes there (collective punishment for the entire family). Wow, another wonderful innovation in human rights. Probably in mertits a consideration for another award too.

- Suspending relations with the then Hamas-led government in Palestine, for its refusal to renounce terrorism;

Correct, they are the wrong kind of democratically elected government, not our kind. And whatever we do must for the human rights (by definition), correct?

- Delivering a heartfelt apology acknowledging the overtly discriminatory Indian Residential Schools program.

Can't say anything about that. Apology was needed and it was indeed heartfelt. Without that last item the "humanitarian" content of award would appear somewhat (if not entirely) thin.

[bush_cheney2004]

I think its an award by a pro-Jewish organisation for an obvious pro Israel (and generally, pro American) shift in Canada's foreign policy....

Not really...Canada's foreign policy has long been so aligned. No reason to give just PM Harper the "rap" just because of an award.

Specifically,

Propping feeble and corrupt government as a humanitarian project? Let's just say it's an element of (failing) US "domino" policy in the Middle East, which Israel happens to support.

Again...see Canada's actions (and reactions) pre-Harper. PM Martin begged for a piece of the post war action in Iraq. Lot's of money to be made playing dominoes, just like in 'Nam.