Kathy Engel: Daily Instruction To My Self When the bombing is there, responsibility here
1. Upon waking, intercept thinking or feeling or opening eyes with breath
2. When allowing thought and feeling, let it be Ella and Jaja first, let it be the reminder of why, then a bird or something green/growing, more children, more love filling your chest to stomp out the crawlers scratching in no language
3. Touch first
4. Take one baby bayer aspirin for middle aged heart
5. Write at least one word in black notebook
before anything else, especially email or newspaper
6. Read a new poem before same
something unexpected (today Franz Wright)
7. Drink coffee, dark, Arabic, fragrant beans, taste the twigs and soil like night in morning. Never again think of giving up coffee.
8. Remember the Auschwitz survivor's words: Don't be general.
9. Read Mahmoud Darwish while drinking coffee and folding laundry and putting dishes away and sweeping and cutting flowers and folding and putting and cutting and sponging off little spots of...
10. Find air and put body in it
11. Run miles
12. Sweat miles
13. Remember exact words, faces, hand movements, intonation of those you met in West Bank, Jerusalem, Gaza, say them aloud and say a word in another language like it was a piece of your liver
14. Look at love like a two pound newborn in an incubator
Bandage it like a hummingbird's broken bones
Hold it -- long hard-worked love -- keeps growing back through tornado and tangled roots; turn to the person in an unexpected moment and tell him/her -- a gesture, a word
16. Now you may check e-mail, sign petitions, plan things
17. But be deliberate
18. Call friends who know and make room for those who don't
19. Walk to the garden, pick vegetables
20. Cook beautiful meals for people you love
21. Listen to Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Chucho Valdez, Mercedes Sosa, Nina Simone, while cooking
22. Take the clippers and basket and cut more flowers and put them everywhere
23. Do not nag children about stupid things
24. Do not stay angry about stupid things or take the wrong things personally
25. Make room for many teenagers to sleep all over the house, sprinkle poetry in corners
26. Be asymmetrical
27. Check on mother
28. Check on father
29. Attempt to imagine seeing from within another
30. Say the dangerous truth (the other more so): "U.S. speeds up sending bombs to Israel"(NY Times) /break the silence which is not a veil but a jail, a killing of soul and history, one life after another, simply life
31. CEASEFIRE
32. 50,000 years ago there were 5,000 people on earth. Presumably a place we call Africa.
33. Begin with we
July 22, 2006
Rev. Holly Haile Davis: I Denounce the Violence
July 13 was a very violent day. Reports made their way to me regarding a day of extreme bombing that surpassed previous levels of ferocity, which might easily be considered disproportionate to the particular incident that was, that day, being avenged. I witnessed that same afternoon the president of the United States justifying the excessive attack, calling it “Israel’s right to defend itself.” Even if this is true, marking non-military targets and considering it mere collateral damage when civilians and whole families are assailed, murdered, injured, terrorized, threatened and intimidated, is disgusting and indefensible. Those with a conscience, not to mention those with any hint of spiritual or religious conviction, must stand and say, “I denounce the violence.”
And as July 13 was a very violent day, further reports made their way to me regarding an evening of extreme violence that surpassed previous levels of ferocity, which might easily be considered disproportionate to the particular incident that was, that evening, being avenged. Young men from my Shinnecock Nation, along with other young people from Southampton, were said to have attacked and injured an off reservation family in their home. I strongly denounce this violence. I send prayers for comfort and healing for all who have been victimized as perpetrators or as wounded.
The society in which we are currently living—the society, I must add, that we have chosen—is increasingly violent, aggressive, brutal and cruel. Confrontation seems to be the rule of the day; violent behavior is modeled, and violent behavior is, sadly, returned with vehemence.
I lift my heart, my hands and my voice—which is all I have—to say that I denounce any violent acts of one human being against another. I strongly express disapproval of young people armed against neighbors with armaments, or with fists, or with sign-boards that express the erroneous thought that one person or group has the right to bring violence to another, and I deny that one group has the right to live and feed their families and that the other does not.
I further denounce every battle campaign; every broken treaty; every cowboy-versus-Indian movie; every videogame. I denounce anyone who puts forth that violence is an acceptable mode of operating among humankind, for violence is not redemptive, it cannot save—it only continues and it escalates. In addition, I condemn any and every ideology that lies to us when it says that “might is right”—the false might of firepower, the false might of wealth.
There remain issues in our community that have not been identified and effectively addressed. These problems will not go away just because it’s the tourist season; the ignorance of violence never takes a holiday. May our thoughts of peace become worthy of our time, effort and budgets. After all, it is up to us.
THE REVEREND HOLLY HAILE DAVIS
Padoquohan Medicine Lodge
Shinnecock Indian Reservation
From a letter published by the Southampton Press Thursday July 20, 2006
And as July 13 was a very violent day, further reports made their way to me regarding an evening of extreme violence that surpassed previous levels of ferocity, which might easily be considered disproportionate to the particular incident that was, that evening, being avenged. Young men from my Shinnecock Nation, along with other young people from Southampton, were said to have attacked and injured an off reservation family in their home. I strongly denounce this violence. I send prayers for comfort and healing for all who have been victimized as perpetrators or as wounded.
The society in which we are currently living—the society, I must add, that we have chosen—is increasingly violent, aggressive, brutal and cruel. Confrontation seems to be the rule of the day; violent behavior is modeled, and violent behavior is, sadly, returned with vehemence.
I lift my heart, my hands and my voice—which is all I have—to say that I denounce any violent acts of one human being against another. I strongly express disapproval of young people armed against neighbors with armaments, or with fists, or with sign-boards that express the erroneous thought that one person or group has the right to bring violence to another, and I deny that one group has the right to live and feed their families and that the other does not.
I further denounce every battle campaign; every broken treaty; every cowboy-versus-Indian movie; every videogame. I denounce anyone who puts forth that violence is an acceptable mode of operating among humankind, for violence is not redemptive, it cannot save—it only continues and it escalates. In addition, I condemn any and every ideology that lies to us when it says that “might is right”—the false might of firepower, the false might of wealth.
There remain issues in our community that have not been identified and effectively addressed. These problems will not go away just because it’s the tourist season; the ignorance of violence never takes a holiday. May our thoughts of peace become worthy of our time, effort and budgets. After all, it is up to us.
THE REVEREND HOLLY HAILE DAVIS
Padoquohan Medicine Lodge
Shinnecock Indian Reservation
From a letter published by the Southampton Press Thursday July 20, 2006
Peace & Justice Calendar - Week of July 27
For details on the following events scroll down:
* July 30 (Sunday): Rally and March to Protest Hate Crime in Southampton at 3:30pm
* July 30 (Sunday): Emergency Vigil for Cease Fire in Lebanon - in Bridgehampton at 5pm
* August 2 (Wednesday): Lecture on Carcinogens in Food in Babylon at 7pm
_______________________________________________
Repeating Events:
( see Counter-Recruiting for listing of weekly and monthly demonstrations)
* Sunday Nights: "Bush is a Liar Choir" rehearses in Lindenhurst from 7 to 9pm
* First Thursdays: Waging Peace - Meditation and Visualization in Westhampton Beach at 7pm
* Every Thursday evening - Book Study Group in Water Mill at 6:30
* "Herstory" Writing Workshops on Wednesdays in Farmingville (Spanish and English) 3 to 5 pm and Thursdays in Spanish only in East Hampton at 7 pm
* Second Tuesday of Month: South Fork Chapter of LI Progressive Coalition Meets in Water Mill at 6:30 pm
Details Follow:
________________________________________________
July 30 (Sunday): Rally and March to Protest Hate Crime in Southampton at 3:30pm
Benny Torres, Chair of the Southampton Democratic Party and the victim of an apparent hate crime will lead a rally and march this Sunday, July 30. The march will start at 3:30pm and proceed from the Southampton railroad station to Southampton Town Hall.
The aim of the rally is to call for a halt to a rash of East End hate crimes.
Background:
Three men threatening the son of Benny Torres at his house assaulted him, causing injury, while calling him a spic Mexican, among other hateful vitriol, and traumatized the family. Although one assailant was arrested and arraigned, the police refused to charge him with a hate crime. The Long Island Immigrant Alliance will show its solidarity and support of Mr. Torres, an American citizen, at a demonstration this Sunday.
information: Michael O'Neill at sagharbormo@gmail.com
________________________________________________
July 30 (Sunday): Emergency Vigil for Cease Fire in Lebanon - in Bridgehampton at 5pm
An emergency vigil in answer to a call from Women in Black of Israel/Palestine will be held Sunday July 30 at 5pm at the Bridgehampton monument, Route 27 and Ocean Road.
More Info: www.eewib.blogspot.com or 631-831-4966
________________________________________________
August 2 (Wednesday): Lecture on Carcinogens in Food in Babylon at 7pm
On Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at 7pm, the Babylon Green Party will host Don Hassig, Director of Cancer Action NY, to speak about eliminating the release of chemical carcinogens into the environment. While the ultimate goal of Cancer Action NY is to stop the release of chemicals from happening, they also work to prevent cancer by educating the public in the avoidance of exposure to carcinogenic pollutants which now exist in our air, water and food.
For directions to the Babylon Green Gathering, call 422-4702 or email
ian.wilder@yahoo.com
_______________________________________
Repeating Events:
See Suffolk Peace Vigils for a complete list of weekly and monthly vigils.
See Counter Recruiting Schedule for a listing of weekly and monthly demonstrations.
________________________________________________
Sunday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 in Lindenhurst: wants you to join their political action singing group.
Participate in songs regarding environment, anti-war, labor, multiculturalism, civil rights, and other issues. Sing historic songs of struggle and social change. Explore the role of music in political movements. Experience singing musical arrangements, in four part harmony.
Perform these songs for others. Contribute to the progressive movement while becoming culturally enriched. If you've ever wanted to be in a singing group, now is your chance! Experienced and non-experienced singers are welcome. All we ask is that you are able to sing on pitch.
Rehearsals take place, Sunday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 in Lindenhurst.
Anyone interested, please call Lisa Fishbein at: (631) 957-4954
________________________________________________
First Thursday each month: Waging Peace - Meditation and Visualization in Westhampton Beach at 7pm
A community gathering designed by a psychotherapist to combat feellings of helplessness and powerlessness. 32 Mill Road in Westhampton Beach from 7 to 8pm.
Contact Nancy Privett at 325-1402 or nlprivett@yahoo.com
___________________________________________________
Thursday evening Book Study Group in Water Mill at 6:30 pm
The group meets at the Lutheran Church at Hayground Road and Montauk Highway on Thursdays at 6:30pmContact Pastor Vita at 631-537-1187 or pastorvita(at)verizon(dot)net
____________________________________________________
"Herstory" Writing Workshops in Spanish and English
Mondays in Farmingville:
Herstory Writers Workshop meets every Monday afternoon at the Farmingville branch of the Workplace Project from 3 to 5. Both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking women come together to share and shape their life experiences through memoir writing. The workshop is conducted in both English and Spanish.
Call 631-723-0150 for more information and directions to the center.
Thursdays in East Hampton:
Every Thursday Spanish-speaking women come together to share their writing with one another and receive feedback on how to structure and shape their lifewriting.
The East Hampton workshop is open to East Hampton Town residents and is conducted entirely in SpanishIt meets every Thursday, 7-9 p.m., at the Senior Citizens Center, 128 Springs-Fireplace Road.Call 631-723-0150 for more information.
___________________________________________________
Second Tuesday each month:
South Fork Chapter - LI Progressive Coalition Meets in Water Mill at 6:30pm The regular monthly meeting of the South Fork chapter of the Progressive Coalition is at 6:30pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Lutheran Church on Montauk Highway & Hayground Rd. between Water Mill and Bridgehampton.
Info: 516-541-1006, ext.55 or www dot lipc dot org
_____________________________________________________
Send event listings for next week's report by 5pm Tuesday to eastendreport@yahoo.com
Plain old text would be appreciated!
* July 30 (Sunday): Rally and March to Protest Hate Crime in Southampton at 3:30pm
* July 30 (Sunday): Emergency Vigil for Cease Fire in Lebanon - in Bridgehampton at 5pm
* August 2 (Wednesday): Lecture on Carcinogens in Food in Babylon at 7pm
_______________________________________________
Repeating Events:
( see Counter-Recruiting for listing of weekly and monthly demonstrations)
* Sunday Nights: "Bush is a Liar Choir" rehearses in Lindenhurst from 7 to 9pm
* First Thursdays: Waging Peace - Meditation and Visualization in Westhampton Beach at 7pm
* Every Thursday evening - Book Study Group in Water Mill at 6:30
* "Herstory" Writing Workshops on Wednesdays in Farmingville (Spanish and English) 3 to 5 pm and Thursdays in Spanish only in East Hampton at 7 pm
* Second Tuesday of Month: South Fork Chapter of LI Progressive Coalition Meets in Water Mill at 6:30 pm
Details Follow:
________________________________________________
July 30 (Sunday): Rally and March to Protest Hate Crime in Southampton at 3:30pm
Benny Torres, Chair of the Southampton Democratic Party and the victim of an apparent hate crime will lead a rally and march this Sunday, July 30. The march will start at 3:30pm and proceed from the Southampton railroad station to Southampton Town Hall.
The aim of the rally is to call for a halt to a rash of East End hate crimes.
Background:
Three men threatening the son of Benny Torres at his house assaulted him, causing injury, while calling him a spic Mexican, among other hateful vitriol, and traumatized the family. Although one assailant was arrested and arraigned, the police refused to charge him with a hate crime. The Long Island Immigrant Alliance will show its solidarity and support of Mr. Torres, an American citizen, at a demonstration this Sunday.
information: Michael O'Neill at sagharbormo@gmail.com
________________________________________________
July 30 (Sunday): Emergency Vigil for Cease Fire in Lebanon - in Bridgehampton at 5pm
An emergency vigil in answer to a call from Women in Black of Israel/Palestine will be held Sunday July 30 at 5pm at the Bridgehampton monument, Route 27 and Ocean Road.
More Info: www.eewib.blogspot.com or 631-831-4966
________________________________________________
August 2 (Wednesday): Lecture on Carcinogens in Food in Babylon at 7pm
On Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at 7pm, the Babylon Green Party will host Don Hassig, Director of Cancer Action NY, to speak about eliminating the release of chemical carcinogens into the environment. While the ultimate goal of Cancer Action NY is to stop the release of chemicals from happening, they also work to prevent cancer by educating the public in the avoidance of exposure to carcinogenic pollutants which now exist in our air, water and food.
For directions to the Babylon Green Gathering, call 422-4702 or email
ian.wilder@yahoo.com
_______________________________________
Repeating Events:
See Suffolk Peace Vigils for a complete list of weekly and monthly vigils.
See Counter Recruiting Schedule for a listing of weekly and monthly demonstrations.
________________________________________________
Sunday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 in Lindenhurst: wants you to join their political action singing group.
Participate in songs regarding environment, anti-war, labor, multiculturalism, civil rights, and other issues. Sing historic songs of struggle and social change. Explore the role of music in political movements. Experience singing musical arrangements, in four part harmony.
Perform these songs for others. Contribute to the progressive movement while becoming culturally enriched. If you've ever wanted to be in a singing group, now is your chance! Experienced and non-experienced singers are welcome. All we ask is that you are able to sing on pitch.
Rehearsals take place, Sunday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 in Lindenhurst.
Anyone interested, please call Lisa Fishbein at: (631) 957-4954
________________________________________________
First Thursday each month: Waging Peace - Meditation and Visualization in Westhampton Beach at 7pm
A community gathering designed by a psychotherapist to combat feellings of helplessness and powerlessness. 32 Mill Road in Westhampton Beach from 7 to 8pm.
Contact Nancy Privett at 325-1402 or nlprivett@yahoo.com
___________________________________________________
Thursday evening Book Study Group in Water Mill at 6:30 pm
The group meets at the Lutheran Church at Hayground Road and Montauk Highway on Thursdays at 6:30pmContact Pastor Vita at 631-537-1187 or pastorvita(at)verizon(dot)net
____________________________________________________
"Herstory" Writing Workshops in Spanish and English
Mondays in Farmingville:
Herstory Writers Workshop meets every Monday afternoon at the Farmingville branch of the Workplace Project from 3 to 5. Both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking women come together to share and shape their life experiences through memoir writing. The workshop is conducted in both English and Spanish.
Call 631-723-0150 for more information and directions to the center.
Thursdays in East Hampton:
Every Thursday Spanish-speaking women come together to share their writing with one another and receive feedback on how to structure and shape their lifewriting.
The East Hampton workshop is open to East Hampton Town residents and is conducted entirely in SpanishIt meets every Thursday, 7-9 p.m., at the Senior Citizens Center, 128 Springs-Fireplace Road.Call 631-723-0150 for more information.
___________________________________________________
Second Tuesday each month:
South Fork Chapter - LI Progressive Coalition Meets in Water Mill at 6:30pm The regular monthly meeting of the South Fork chapter of the Progressive Coalition is at 6:30pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Lutheran Church on Montauk Highway & Hayground Rd. between Water Mill and Bridgehampton.
Info: 516-541-1006, ext.55 or www dot lipc dot org
_____________________________________________________
Send event listings for next week's report by 5pm Tuesday to eastendreport@yahoo.com
Plain old text would be appreciated!
Week of July 20, 2006
For an updated East End Report click here
In this week's report: [ click on any of the bold headers below ]
Stop the Killing of Civilians in Gaza, Lebanon and Israel
I Don't Get It: Sigrid Meinel on the Bill of Rights
Peace & Justice Calendar
Suffolk Peace Vigils
Counter Recruiting Schedule
Alternative Media for Eastern LI
Support Independent Media: WUSB and WPKN/WPKM need your support.
Go to wpkn(dot)org and wusb(dot)fm and contribute on line.
See wpkn.org/today for program details on WPKM heard at 88.7 Montauk to Water Mill and WPKN 89.5 Bridgeport to Southampton and Southold.
Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez: Monday- Saturday on Riverhead/Southampton/Southold Channel 20.
Monday 10pm
Tuesday 9 pm
Wednesday 6am
Thursday 5pm
Friday 7pm
Saturday 8pm
See the North Fork People of Conscience web site
Also see the Suffolk Progressive Vision web site for links to more local events.
The East End Report is compiled by Tony Ernst.
Send comments, corrections and event listings to eastendreport@yahoo.com
In this week's report: [ click on any of the bold headers below ]
Stop the Killing of Civilians in Gaza, Lebanon and Israel
I Don't Get It: Sigrid Meinel on the Bill of Rights
Peace & Justice Calendar
Suffolk Peace Vigils
Counter Recruiting Schedule
Alternative Media for Eastern LI
Support Independent Media: WUSB and WPKN/WPKM need your support.
Go to wpkn(dot)org and wusb(dot)fm and contribute on line.
See wpkn.org/today for program details on WPKM heard at 88.7 Montauk to Water Mill and WPKN 89.5 Bridgeport to Southampton and Southold.
Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez: Monday- Saturday on Riverhead/Southampton/Southold Channel 20.
Monday 10pm
Tuesday 9 pm
Wednesday 6am
Thursday 5pm
Friday 7pm
Saturday 8pm
See the North Fork People of Conscience web site
Also see the Suffolk Progressive Vision web site for links to more local events.
The East End Report is compiled by Tony Ernst.
Send comments, corrections and event listings to eastendreport@yahoo.com
Stop the Killing of Civilians in Lebanon, Gaza and Israel
United for Peace and Justice
www.unitedforpeace.org
Stop Killing Civilians in Lebanon, Gaza, and Israel!
Immediate Ceasefire! Start Negotiating!
George Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert are creating a humanitarian and political catastrophe in Lebanon and Gaza. Israeli military strikes have killed 210 Lebanese, almost all of them civilians; destroyed much of Lebanon's infrastructure; put Israeli citizens at much greater risk (29 Israelis have been killed since June 27th); and made a full-scale regional war a possibility.
UFPJ opposes all violence against civilians. We condemn Hezbollah's attacks on Israeli civilians, and we condemn the Israeli assault in Gaza and Lebanon. We also see the vast differences in the scope and scale of these actions. As the French Foreign Minister, Philippe Douste-Blazy, described it, Hezbollah's seizure of the soldiers and firing rockets into northern Israel were "irresponsible acts"; Israel's bombing of the Beirut international airport was "a disproportionate act of war."
Israel's military offensive in Lebanon comes while Israel continues a separate siege of the Gaza Strip. Three weeks of Israeli air strikes and attacks have killed more than 60 Palestinians, stripped most of Gaza's 1.4 million residents of access to electricity and water, and plunged them into further deplorable living conditions. Just last Wednesday, 23 Palestinians were killed, including a family of nine.
George Bush is giving a green light to Israel's use of force, which is being conducted in part with U.S.-supplied weapons. The Bush administration's trampling of international law and national sovereignty in its war on Iraq has also emboldened Israel to disregard international condemnation of its behavior.
These U.S.-backed Israeli actions -- the disproportionate, collective punishment of civilian populations -- are illegal and irresponsible responses to the capture of two Israeli soldiers and killing of eight others in southern Lebanon, and the capture of an Israeli soldier in Gaza. In fact, Israeli peace activists have been in the forefront of pointing out that these are being used as pretexts by an Israeli government determined to use force to impose its will on Palestinians, Lebanese and other neighboring peoples.
United for Peace and Justice urgently calls on the Bush administration and Congress to:
-
pressure Israel to immediately cease its military operations in both Lebanon and the Gaza Strip;
-
work with international partners to broker an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Lebanon, Palestine, and Israel;
-
commence negotiations to peacefully resolve outstanding disputes, including the release of prisoners held on all sides, an end to Israel's 39-year-old occupation of Palestinian lands, and implementation of U.N. resolutions on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
For a cease-fire and negotiations to have a chance, the Bush Administration's unconditional, one-sided backing of Israel's actions must end. Now, it is more important than ever for the U.S. antiwar movement to be speaking out for a peaceful and just solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict and an end to the U.S. role in sustaining it.
TAKE ACTION: Hold the Bush Administration to account for its backing of Israel's killing of civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.
1. Get the facts and spread the word:
Or call Congressman Tim Bishop at
Click here for background information and resources from a wide range of UFPJ member groups and allies.
2. Pressure the Bush Administration and Congress:
Call the White House (202-456-1111), the U.S. State Department (202-647-4000), and the Congressional switchboard (202-224-3121), which will connect you to your Congressmembers' offices, to demand that the U.S. take immediate action. Organize delegations of peace advocates to Congressional offices. We need to end Bush's war policy in Iraq and in the Middle East.Coram Office:
3680 Route 112, Suite C
Coram, NY 11727
(631)696-6500
(631)696-4520 (fax)
Southampton Office:
33 Flying Point Rd, Suite 104A
Southampton, NY 11968
(631)259-8450
3. Send a letter to the editor at your local newspaper:
People in your community need to hear from you. Your neighbors are probably as appalled by this as you are, and they need to see your words in print so they know they are not alone. Letters may be sent by email tomailbag@southamptonpress.com
Letters@easthamptonstar.com
Suggested Talking Points:
"Israel has been demolishing the civilian infrastructure in Gaza and Lebanon, targeting power plants, commercial airports and bridges. While Hezbollah violated international law by attacking Israel and then firing missiles at Israeli cities, there are vast differences in the scope and scale of these actions. As the French Foreign Minister described it, Hezbollah's seizure of the soldiers and firing rockets into northern Israel were 'irresponsible acts'; Israel's bombing of the Beirut international airport was 'a disproportionate act of war.' It is an act of collective punishment of the Lebanese population -- a grave violation of international law. That is unacceptable and an even greater crime."4. Join or organize an emergency protest in your community:
Protests are planned in NYC and DC for today, Tuesday, July 18. To find a protest in your area, visit our online events calendar. If you are organizing a protest, please post the details on our events calendar and on http://www.endtheoccupation.org. To maximize media interest, seek out voices from constituencies not known to be as active on these issues.
BACKGROUND
Bush says repeatedly that "Israel has a right to defend herself," both with respect to Gaza and to the new assault on Lebanon.
If, as it appears, last Wednesday's attack was Hezbollah's initiative in crossing Israel's border, it constitutes a violation of international law, despite its claimed intention of aiding the Palestinians and helping achieve the release of Lebanese prisoners held by Israel. However, it was a border skirmish -- something common on borders all over the world all the time and hardly new on the Israel-Lebanon border. A border skirmish is not the beginning of a war unless one side wants it to be. The Israeli government wanted it to be.
Israel could have responded by negotiating a prisoner swap with the Palestinians and Lebanese, as it has frequently done. Instead, it chose to attack Lebanon's civilian infrastructure, along with Gaza's, and it has killed more than 196 Lebanese civilians. These aren't defensive acts; they are acts of aggression.
Every Lebanese airport has been attacked and rendered unfit for travel. Every seaport has been attacked. Several major gas stations and electrical stations have been destroyed. The major bridges in the country have been destroyed. The main arteries of the country have been destroyed -- from the south to the north -- making travel between main cities throughout Lebanon -- and therefore escape from Israel's bombs -- physically impossible. The Israeli army has been calling upon villages in South Lebanon to evacuate, yet they have destroyed the roads on which people can travel and have bombed two vehicles full of civilians attempting to leave.
Israel's reckless actions have endangered not only Palestinian and Lebanese citizens, but also their own people. By straining the delicate balance among Lebanon's ethnic and religious groups, Israel also risks igniting a new civil war.
Worse, the possibility that Israel's assault on Lebanon will trigger a full-scale regional war grows daily. Even before Israel's assault Bush's occupation of Iraq has destabilized the region and inflamed Arab and Muslim opinion. Now Israel has attacked near the Syrian border; Hezbollah is supported by Syria and Iran; Syria says it will defend itself if attacked; and Iran warns that if Israel attacks Syria, Tehran will retaliate against Israel. Then Bush would have a pretext for bombing Syria and Iran. (See Matthew Rothschild's excellent piece on the Progressive's website.)
But if Israel could not defeat Hezbollah during its 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon, neither can it do so now with air strikes, blockades, and buffer zones, nor even with another occupation. For four decades Israel has tried to deny Palestinians a meaningful state -- using a military occupation to take their land, and responding with excessive force whenever it is attacked itself. But security for Israelis seems as far away as it was in 1967. Just as in Iraq, there is no military solution to the current crisis. The only real and lasting solution is to resolve the source of conflict by negotiating a resolution based on freedom from occupation and equal rights for all as enshrined in international law.
MORE RESOURCES
- Alternative Information Center
- American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
- American Friends Service Committee
- Coalition of Women for a Just Peace (Israeli organization)
- Electronic Intifada
- Gush Shalom (Israeli organization)
- Jewish Voice for Peace
- Middle East Children's Alliance
- Stop the Wall Campaign
- Tikkun
- US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation
Help us continue to do this critical work: Make a donation to UFPJ today.
ACTION ALERT * UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE
www.unitedforpeace.org | 212-868-5545
I Don't Get It: Sigrid Meinel on Our Bill of Rights
Letter to the Editor: Southampton Press
July 9, 2006
I don't get it! Am I supposed to be grateful to the Southampton Village politicians for letting me and like-mined individuals - people opposed to our occupation of Iraq and the harm's way we have placed many of our young people, people who are worried about the erosion of civll liberties in our country, people who want to remind our fellow citizens what the Bill of Rights means and how precious it is and, how vulerable it is today - parade with the people of Southampton, calling for more attention to what is happening in our names in America and abroad?
In the Press article on the parade (July 5, 2006), the headline states that, "The village allows protesters to march." The fact is that the Village of Southampton was not going to let citizens, who carried a message they did not agree with, march. They called it "propaganda". To have a different view from the Bush Administration is not propaganda in the land of the free and the home of the brave, to my understanding. I consider myself free and brave! When the Village decided to let our two contingents march this year, "if we behaved ourselves", our lawyer preferred to go before a federal judge (conference call, Monday, July 3rd with Justice Joanna Seybert) who reminded the town of our First Amendment Right to free speech.
Newsday called it a "compromise" (July 4, 2006), but it was no compromise and I don't think I am being impolite in pointing this out. I am merely stating the facts.
I commend all of those who came out to parade with us, veteran and non, religious and non, and most of all, I want to acknowledge the wonderful and hopeful reception we received from the crowd who watched.
Sigrid Meinel, Hampton Bays
-----------------------------------
The above is a corrected version of a letter printed by the Press on July 13.
East End Report notes that this issue is not dead. The judge issued a temporary order to enable the marchers to excercize their constitutional rights. A lawsuit to prevent the Village from restraining our first ammendment rights has yet to be heard.
July 9, 2006
I don't get it! Am I supposed to be grateful to the Southampton Village politicians for letting me and like-mined individuals - people opposed to our occupation of Iraq and the harm's way we have placed many of our young people, people who are worried about the erosion of civll liberties in our country, people who want to remind our fellow citizens what the Bill of Rights means and how precious it is and, how vulerable it is today - parade with the people of Southampton, calling for more attention to what is happening in our names in America and abroad?
In the Press article on the parade (July 5, 2006), the headline states that, "The village allows protesters to march." The fact is that the Village of Southampton was not going to let citizens, who carried a message they did not agree with, march. They called it "propaganda". To have a different view from the Bush Administration is not propaganda in the land of the free and the home of the brave, to my understanding. I consider myself free and brave! When the Village decided to let our two contingents march this year, "if we behaved ourselves", our lawyer preferred to go before a federal judge (conference call, Monday, July 3rd with Justice Joanna Seybert) who reminded the town of our First Amendment Right to free speech.
Newsday called it a "compromise" (July 4, 2006), but it was no compromise and I don't think I am being impolite in pointing this out. I am merely stating the facts.
I commend all of those who came out to parade with us, veteran and non, religious and non, and most of all, I want to acknowledge the wonderful and hopeful reception we received from the crowd who watched.
Sigrid Meinel, Hampton Bays
-----------------------------------
The above is a corrected version of a letter printed by the Press on July 13.
East End Report notes that this issue is not dead. The judge issued a temporary order to enable the marchers to excercize their constitutional rights. A lawsuit to prevent the Village from restraining our first ammendment rights has yet to be heard.
Peace & Justice Calendar - Week of July 20
For details on the following events scroll down:
* July 20 (Thursday): Sag Harbor Village - Meeting on Site Plan Moratorium at 6pm
* July 23 (Sunday): Summer Fun Festival: Music, Lobster Bake at Shinnecock Museum from 1 to 6 pm
* July 25 (Tuesday): Hearing on Romeo Montauk Highway Property in Southampton at 7pm
* August 2 (Wednesday): Lecture on Carcinogens in Food in Babylon at 7pm
_______________________________________________
Repeating Events:
( see Counter-Recruiting for listing of weekly and monthly demonstrations)
* Sunday Nights: "Bush is a Liar Choir" rehearses in Lindenhurst from 7 to 9pm
* First Thursdays: Waging Peace - Meditation and Visualization in Westhampton Beach at 7pm
* Every Thursday evening - Book Study Group in Water Mill at 6:30
* "Herstory" Writing Workshops on Wednesdays in Farmingville (Spanish and English) 3 to 5 pm and Thursdays in Spanish only in East Hampton at 7 pm
* Second Tuesday of Month: South Fork Chapter of LI Progressive Coalition Meets in Water Mill at 6:30 pm
Details Follow:
________________________________________________
July 20 (Thursday): Sag Harbor Village - Meeting on Site Plan Moratorium at 6pm
A meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at Sag Harbor Village Hall, regarding a 9 month moratorium on site plan approvals in Sag Harbor, giving the Board time to update zoning code and to adopt an Inclusionary Zoning ordinance. The moratorium would effect Bulova, Rocco's, the waterfront Harbor professional building, and other developments.
More information: Kathryn Szoka at oneeyeopen@optonline.net
July 23 (Sunday): Summer Fun Festival: Music, Lobster Bake at Shinnecock Museum from 1 to 6 pm
The Shinnecock Nation Museum and Cultural Center's Summer Fun Festival is set for Sunday July 23 from 1 to 6 pm. There will be Native music (a Dine' Singer at 2 and 4:30), a 'Kids Zone' and demonstrations of thatching and beadwork. Admission is free. Food will be for sale including a Lobster Bake.
More Info: 631-287-4923
_________________________________________________
July 25 (Tuesday): Hearing on Romeo Montauk Highway Property Variances in Southampton at 7pm
The owner of the property thought to be a Native burial ground at a high point along Shinnecock Bay has applied for scenic variances on his property. The plan for 12 million dollar homes on land which was clear cut this spring has received zoning approval. The Southampton Town Board will hold a hearing on the variances in Town Hall on Hampton Road at 7pm on July 25. The Native Graves Protection Committee has petioned the Community Preservation Fund in an effort to have the land bought for preservation. County Legislator Jay Schneiderman has joined the effort to preserve this land with funds requested from Suffolk County.
More information at: Luxury Homes over Gravesites Re-Approved
and lmvotino@optonline.net
________________________________________________
August 2 (Wednesday): Lecture on Carcinogens in Food in Babylon at 7pm
On Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at 7pm, the Babylon Green Party will host Don Hassig, Director of Cancer Action NY, to speak about eliminating the release of chemical carcinogens into the environment. While the ultimate goal of Cancer Action NY is to stop the release of chemicals from happening, they also work to prevent cancer by educating the public in the avoidance of exposure to carcinogenic pollutants which now exist in our air, water and food.
_______________________________________________
Repeating Events:
See Suffolk Peace Vigils for a complete list of weekly and monthly vigils.
See Counter Recruiting Schedule for a listing of weekly and monthly demonstrations.
________________________________________________
Sunday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 in Lindenhurst: wants you to join their political action singing group.
Participate in songs regarding environment, anti-war, labor, multiculturalism, civil rights, and other issues. Sing historic songs of struggle and social change. Explore the role of music in political movements. Experience singing musical arrangements, in four part harmony.
Perform these songs for others. Contribute to the progressive movement while becoming culturally enriched. If you've ever wanted to be in a singing group, now is your chance! Experienced and non-experienced singers are welcome. All we ask is that you are able to sing on pitch.
Rehearsals take place, Sunday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 in Lindenhurst.
Anyone interested, please call Lisa Fishbein at: (631) 957-4954
________________________________________________
First Thursday each month: Waging Peace - Meditation and Visualization in Westhampton Beach at 7pm
A community gathering designed by a psychotherapist to combat feellings of helplessness and powerlessness. 32 Mill Road in Westhampton Beach from 7 to 8pm.
Contact Nancy Privett at 325-1402 or nlprivett@yahoo.com
___________________________________________________
Thursday evening Book Study Group in Water Mill at 6:30 pm
The group meets at the Lutheran Church at Hayground Road and Montauk Highway on Thursdays at 6:30pmContact Pastor Vita at 631-537-1187 or pastorvita(at)verizon(dot)net
____________________________________________________
"Herstory" Writing Workshops in Spanish and English
Mondays in Farmingville:
Herstory Writers Workshop meets every Monday afternoon at the Farmingville branch of the Workplace Project from 3 to 5. Both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking women come together to share and shape their life experiences through memoir writing. The workshop is conducted in both English and Spanish.
Call 631-723-0150 for more information and directions to the center.
Thursdays in East Hampton:
Every Thursday Spanish-speaking women come together to share their writing with one another and receive feedback on how to structure and shape their lifewriting.
The East Hampton workshop is open to East Hampton Town residents and is conducted entirely in SpanishIt meets every Thursday, 7-9 p.m., at the Senior Citizens Center, 128 Springs-Fireplace Road.Call 631-723-0150 for more information.
___________________________________________________
Second Tuesday each month:
South Fork Chapter - LI Progressive Coalition Meets in Water Mill at 6:30pm The regular monthly meeting of the South Fork chapter of the Progressive Coalition is at 6:30pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Lutheran Church on Montauk Highway & Hayground Rd. between Water Mill and Bridgehampton.
Info: 516-541-1006, ext.55 or www dot lipc dot org
_____________________________________________________
Send event listings for next week's report by 5pm Tuesday to eastendreport@yahoo.com
Plain old text would be appreciated!
* July 20 (Thursday): Sag Harbor Village - Meeting on Site Plan Moratorium at 6pm
* July 23 (Sunday): Summer Fun Festival: Music, Lobster Bake at Shinnecock Museum from 1 to 6 pm
* July 25 (Tuesday): Hearing on Romeo Montauk Highway Property in Southampton at 7pm
* August 2 (Wednesday): Lecture on Carcinogens in Food in Babylon at 7pm
_______________________________________________
Repeating Events:
( see Counter-Recruiting for listing of weekly and monthly demonstrations)
* Sunday Nights: "Bush is a Liar Choir" rehearses in Lindenhurst from 7 to 9pm
* First Thursdays: Waging Peace - Meditation and Visualization in Westhampton Beach at 7pm
* Every Thursday evening - Book Study Group in Water Mill at 6:30
* "Herstory" Writing Workshops on Wednesdays in Farmingville (Spanish and English) 3 to 5 pm and Thursdays in Spanish only in East Hampton at 7 pm
* Second Tuesday of Month: South Fork Chapter of LI Progressive Coalition Meets in Water Mill at 6:30 pm
Details Follow:
________________________________________________
July 20 (Thursday): Sag Harbor Village - Meeting on Site Plan Moratorium at 6pm
A meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at Sag Harbor Village Hall, regarding a 9 month moratorium on site plan approvals in Sag Harbor, giving the Board time to update zoning code and to adopt an Inclusionary Zoning ordinance. The moratorium would effect Bulova, Rocco's, the waterfront Harbor professional building, and other developments.
More information: Kathryn Szoka at oneeyeopen@optonline.net
July 23 (Sunday): Summer Fun Festival: Music, Lobster Bake at Shinnecock Museum from 1 to 6 pm
The Shinnecock Nation Museum and Cultural Center's Summer Fun Festival is set for Sunday July 23 from 1 to 6 pm. There will be Native music (a Dine' Singer at 2 and 4:30), a 'Kids Zone' and demonstrations of thatching and beadwork. Admission is free. Food will be for sale including a Lobster Bake.
More Info: 631-287-4923
_________________________________________________
July 25 (Tuesday): Hearing on Romeo Montauk Highway Property Variances in Southampton at 7pm
The owner of the property thought to be a Native burial ground at a high point along Shinnecock Bay has applied for scenic variances on his property. The plan for 12 million dollar homes on land which was clear cut this spring has received zoning approval. The Southampton Town Board will hold a hearing on the variances in Town Hall on Hampton Road at 7pm on July 25. The Native Graves Protection Committee has petioned the Community Preservation Fund in an effort to have the land bought for preservation. County Legislator Jay Schneiderman has joined the effort to preserve this land with funds requested from Suffolk County.
More information at: Luxury Homes over Gravesites Re-Approved
and lmvotino@optonline.net
________________________________________________
August 2 (Wednesday): Lecture on Carcinogens in Food in Babylon at 7pm
On Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at 7pm, the Babylon Green Party will host Don Hassig, Director of Cancer Action NY, to speak about eliminating the release of chemical carcinogens into the environment. While the ultimate goal of Cancer Action NY is to stop the release of chemicals from happening, they also work to prevent cancer by educating the public in the avoidance of exposure to carcinogenic pollutants which now exist in our air, water and food.
For directions to the Babylon Green Gathering, call 422-4702 or email
ian.wilder@yahoo.com
_______________________________________________
Repeating Events:
See Suffolk Peace Vigils for a complete list of weekly and monthly vigils.
See Counter Recruiting Schedule for a listing of weekly and monthly demonstrations.
________________________________________________
Sunday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 in Lindenhurst: wants you to join their political action singing group.
Participate in songs regarding environment, anti-war, labor, multiculturalism, civil rights, and other issues. Sing historic songs of struggle and social change. Explore the role of music in political movements. Experience singing musical arrangements, in four part harmony.
Perform these songs for others. Contribute to the progressive movement while becoming culturally enriched. If you've ever wanted to be in a singing group, now is your chance! Experienced and non-experienced singers are welcome. All we ask is that you are able to sing on pitch.
Rehearsals take place, Sunday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 in Lindenhurst.
Anyone interested, please call Lisa Fishbein at: (631) 957-4954
________________________________________________
First Thursday each month: Waging Peace - Meditation and Visualization in Westhampton Beach at 7pm
A community gathering designed by a psychotherapist to combat feellings of helplessness and powerlessness. 32 Mill Road in Westhampton Beach from 7 to 8pm.
Contact Nancy Privett at 325-1402 or nlprivett@yahoo.com
___________________________________________________
Thursday evening Book Study Group in Water Mill at 6:30 pm
The group meets at the Lutheran Church at Hayground Road and Montauk Highway on Thursdays at 6:30pmContact Pastor Vita at 631-537-1187 or pastorvita(at)verizon(dot)net
____________________________________________________
"Herstory" Writing Workshops in Spanish and English
Mondays in Farmingville:
Herstory Writers Workshop meets every Monday afternoon at the Farmingville branch of the Workplace Project from 3 to 5. Both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking women come together to share and shape their life experiences through memoir writing. The workshop is conducted in both English and Spanish.
Call 631-723-0150 for more information and directions to the center.
Thursdays in East Hampton:
Every Thursday Spanish-speaking women come together to share their writing with one another and receive feedback on how to structure and shape their lifewriting.
The East Hampton workshop is open to East Hampton Town residents and is conducted entirely in SpanishIt meets every Thursday, 7-9 p.m., at the Senior Citizens Center, 128 Springs-Fireplace Road.Call 631-723-0150 for more information.
___________________________________________________
Second Tuesday each month:
South Fork Chapter - LI Progressive Coalition Meets in Water Mill at 6:30pm The regular monthly meeting of the South Fork chapter of the Progressive Coalition is at 6:30pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Lutheran Church on Montauk Highway & Hayground Rd. between Water Mill and Bridgehampton.
Info: 516-541-1006, ext.55 or www dot lipc dot org
_____________________________________________________
Send event listings for next week's report by 5pm Tuesday to eastendreport@yahoo.com
Plain old text would be appreciated!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)