My Lords, Defence in foreign policy has little to do with defence of the realm. There is no threat from a foreign power wishing to invade our country. Billions spent on what is called defence are used to protect or expand political and trade interests around the world. -more-
As I begin this week’s Activist Diary, the Los Angeles Times editorial board called for a “Cease-fire now. The killing of civilians in Gaza must stop.” The editorial close states this, “Remaining mindful of America’s mistakes, it is incumbent upon the Biden administration now to avoid complicity with Israel’s.” -more-
This letter is in response to that of Raymond Barglow and Pam Montanaro. I have read the Wellstone Club resolution of 10/26/23 to which they refer but was able to find only a draft of the resolution passed by the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee—and quite a number of condemnations of whatever it stated in its final form! However, in neither of the resolutions (insofar as I know) was there any statement about “Israel’s right to exist” pro or con. The Wellstone Club resolution did state that the “root causes” of the October 7th attack by the al-Qassam Brigades (the military wing of Hamas) and other participating militias include “decades of institutionalized oppression and collective punishment of Palestinians through brutal military occupation and a 16-year Gaza blockade.” If I am understanding correctly, Barglow and Montanaro appear to find this statement unfair or unbalanced and feel that in its failure to be “even-handed” there is an implicit attack on “Israel’s right to exist.” -more-
I'm writing to highlight the critical need for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian actions in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Recently, Uth Ben-Artzi, the niece of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, voiced a compelling call for an urgent ceasefire and the release of all hostages held by Hamas. Ben-Artzi, a professor of political science at Providence College, joined forces with notable Rhode Island rabbis, Jewish leaders, and Israelis to demand a cessation of hostilities in Gaza. She emphasized that a ceasefire stands as the sole path toward any viable solution. Ben-Artzi astutely elucidated that military actions cannot resolve this conflict and underscored the necessity of a political resolution. She aptly stated, "Finding a political solution is the only way for the roughly 7 million Jews and 7 million Palestinians living between the river and the sea to achieve lasting peace." Hamas has taken a step by agreeing to release 10 hostages in exchange for 10 Palestinians wrongfully incarcerated. However, it is disheartening that Israel has not responded positively to this offer. Additionally, the Biden administration's continued supply of weapons to the region, prioritizing political gains over the safety of innocent civilians, is deeply troubling. The sole viable path forward is an immediate cessation of bombings, the restoration of essential amenities crucial for supporting life, the lifting of the siege on Gaza, and the end of occupation. It is imperative for global leaders to prioritize the lives and well-being of civilians over political gains or military actions. Let us work towards a ceasefire, ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need, and earnestly pursue a sustainable resolution for peace in the region. -more-
Israel continues its incessant bombing of Gaza and sealing its borders, leaving Gazans with no power, no food, no clean drinking water, no power. -more-
A person's mind may not right itself following a period of disorganization, unless you use deliberate effort. For example, in my past I had psychotic episodes, and following reinstatement of medication, I wasn't well right away--it took a while, and it took some doing. I needed to draw on memory as a model for how my mind was supposed to work. Also, I have learned self-observation. -more-
Worth Noting:
There are only four (November 21, 28, December 5, 12) more scheduled City Council meetings before Winter Recess - December 13, 2023 – January 15, 2024
The City Thanksgiving Holiday includes both Thanksgiving Day and Friday. There are no City meetings after City Council finishes the special rescheduled meeting on Tuesday morning.
