Hillary Clinton asks us to join the conversation!

Another Plea for Fairness

Today is my favorite day. America honors the life, deeds, and courage of Martin Luther King. Jr. His speech, "I have a Dream," delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial lives in memory. "As you know" he had said earlier on the day he began his ministry in Montgomery, "there comes a time when people get tired of being trampled over by the iron feet of oppression..... If we are wrong, God Almighty is wrong! If we are wrong. Jesus of Nazareth was merely a utopian dreamer and never came to Earth! If we are wrong, justice is a lie."
His words speak out today as before against the deteriorating, unchristian behavior

Yes I am aware of what Hillary said in 1998, but in Nov. 2005 she-being a consummate politician changed her tune to suit the crowd.

THE WALL has been repeatedly deemed ILLEGAL by the International Court of Justice-and Hillary completely ignored that fact on the ground by claiming The Wall is "good security" and "not against the Palestinian people."

Every Palestinian knew she was clearly pandering to her audience and she deeply wounded all who are NONVIOLENT.

The Christian Exodus from the Holy Land began in 1948 and has accelerated because of the 40 year occupation and illegal wall which denies basic and inalienable human rights.

In 1948, 20% of the population of the land we call HOLY were indigenous Christians who can trace their roots to the first century Christians.

Today Christians are less than 1.3% of the total population in the land where Christ promised the peacemakers are the children of God and USA Christians are either unaware or unconcerned about this.

I will see Rabbi Lerner again next weekend in DC during the PEACE and JUSTICE MARCH to END the WAR and OCCUPATION in Iraq and as he is a staunch supporter of Jimmy Carter's "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid" I humbly submit JC's latest oped for he speaks directly to the Democrats and all people of good will:

By Jimmy Carter
Washington Post
January 18, 2007
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/
17/AR2007011701712.html?referrer=emailarticle

I am concerned that public discussion of my book `Palestine Peace Not Apartheid` has been diverted from the book`s basic proposals: that peace talks be resumed after six years of delay and that the tragic persecution of Palestinians be ended. Although most critics have not seriously disputed or even mentioned the facts and suggestions about these two issues, an apparently concerted campaign has been focused on the book`s title, combined with allegations that I am anti-Israel. This is not good for any of us who are committed to Israel`s status as a peaceful nation living in harmony with its neighbors.

It is encouraging that President Bush has announced that peace in the Holy Land will be a high priority for his administration during the next two years. On her current trip to the region, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has called for an early U.S.-Israeli-Palestinian meeting. She has recommended the 2002 offer of the 23 Arab nations as a foundation for peace: full recognition of Israel based on a return to its internationally recognized borders. This offer is compatible with official U.S. policy, previous agreements approved by Israeli governments in 1978 and 1993, and the `road map` for peace developed by the `quartet` (the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations).

The clear fact is that Israel will never find peace until it is willing to withdraw from its neighboring occupied territories and permit the Palestinians to exercise their basic human and political rights. With land swaps, this `green line` can be modified through negotiations to let a substantial number of Israeli settlers remain in their subsidized homes east of the internationally recognized border. The premise of exchanging Arab territory for peace has been acceptable for several decades to a majority of Israelis but not to a minority of the more conservative leaders, who are unfortunately supported by most of the vocal American Jewish community.

These same premises, of course, will have to be accepted by any government that represents the Palestinians. A March 2006 poll by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in Ramallah found 73 percent approval among citizens in the occupied territories, and Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh has expressed support for talks between President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and pledged to end Hamas`s rejectionist position if a negotiated agreement is approved by the Palestinian people.

Abbas is wise in repeating to Secretary Rice that he rejects any `interim` boundaries for the Palestinian state. The step-by-step road-map formula promulgated almost three years ago for reaching a final agreement has proved to be a non-starter -- and an excuse for not making any progress. I know from experience that it is often more difficult to negotiate an interim agreement, with all its future uncertainties, than to address the panoply of crucial issues that will have to be resolved to reach the goal of peace.

Given these recent developments and with the Democratic Party poised to play a more important role in governing, this is a good time to clarify our party`s overall policy in the broader Middle East. Numerous options are available as Congress attempts to correlate its suggestions with White House policy, and there is little doubt that the basic proposals of the Iraq Study Group provide a good foundation on which Democrats might reach something of a consensus (recognizing that individual lawmakers could still make their own proposals on details). This party policy would provide a reasonable answer to the allegation that Democrats have no alternatives of their own to address the Iraq quagmire.

A key factor in an Iraq policy would be strong demands on Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki`s government to cooperate in ending sectarian violence, prodded by a clear notice of plans for troop withdrawals. A commitment to regional cooperation, including opportunities for Iran and Syria to participate, would be beneficial in assuring doubtful Iraqis that America will no longer be the dominant outside power shaping their military, political and economic future.

Although Israel`s prime minister has criticized these facets of the Iraq Study Group`s report, the most difficult recommendation for many Democrats could be the call for substantive peace talks on the Palestinian issue. The situation in the occupied territories will be a crucial factor, and it would be helpful for both the House and Senate to send a responsible delegation to the West Bank and Gaza to observe the situation personally, to meet with key leaders and to ascertain the prospects if peace talks can be launched.

I am convinced that, with bipartisan support, this is a good opportunity for progress.

The writer was the 39th president and is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. His most recent book is `Palestine Peace Not Apartheid.`

Eileen Fleming,
Celtic Christian of The Beatitudes, agitator church, state, and limp MSM,
Activist, poet, author creative spiritual literature, historical fiction and my memoirs from OPT
Reporter and Editor of http://www.wearewideawake.org/

I stand in solidarity with those seeking peace and human rights for the Palestinians and am against the Israeli occupation. I did not know that Hillary Clinton said that the wall is "not against the Palestinian people," but was going by an older statement of hers in which she said, "the territory that the Palestinians currently inhabit and whatever additional territory they will obtain through the peace negotiations should be considered and evolve into a functioning modern state that is responsible for the well-being of its people and is seen on the same footing as any other state in terms of dealing responsibly with all the issues state governments must deal with."  She said this in May of 1998.It is clear that we need to add to our list of questions, the question of Palestinian human rights.  If Senator Clinton is truly open to a dialogue then she will answer our questions unequivocally so that we will know where she truly stands.  As I stated in my post, we will seek to find common ground with Hillary Clinton.  But if her position on Palestine and the Wall does not add up to human rights for the Palestinians then we will need to look elsewhere for a viable candidate.  Rabbi Lerner from Tikkun writes,"The Geneva Accord provides a good foundation for the lasting peace both sides say they want. And it will eventually provide the foundations for any settlement: the creation of a Palestinian state on almost all of the West Bank and Gaza, with full control of its own borders; full recognition and security agreements for Israel with all of its neighbors; joint coordination on security and anti-terrorism between Israeli and Palestinian police and military forces; reparations for Palestinian refugees; and a peace and reconciliation process that dispels the lies and propaganda that have become “accepted truths” in the diaspora communities of both Jewish and Arab worlds.Rabbi Lerner's words provide a good starting point for us to enter into the dialogue and ask the deep questions of Senator Clinton and indeed of all the candidates.  Jim says that he will "wait and see."  I thank him for his willingness to be part of the dialogue before a final decision is rendered.  With that in mind, let us put the candidates to the test.With thanks for your input and for the work you are doing to educate us,Linda  

I am going to try and have an open mind on Hillary, Linda. I am going to try and find out what she is all about. I also keep telling myself she is not Bill, she is Hillary. His politics are not necesarily her politics.

My politics though are progressive and populist, not business as usual,and Hillary seems so "business as usual".

Business as usual means the Israelis are always right and we always support them no matter what they do and the Palestinians just do not matter.Business as usual means Universal Health care isn't on the table because the profit margins of the insurance comapnies and the medical establishment come first. It means profits before people, but since a Democrat is in power throw the masses just a bit more to keep them satisfied while maintaining the status quo. Status quo means the war and the greed machine proceed unimpeded, just as they did under her hubby, Bill.

It is not about gender. If Barbara Boxer were running, I would be standing and cheering and voluteering to work for her campaign.

So I am on the "I will wait and see" list as far as Hillary goes.

To Hillary:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgJV1y2VVYo

To President Bush:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKTX3vrHQOE&mode=related&search=

Eileen Fleming,
Celtic Christian of The Beatitudes, agitator church, state, and limp MSM,
Activist, poet, author creative spiritual literature, historical fiction and my memoirs from OPT
Reporter and Editor of http://www.wearewideawake.org/

"When Hillary Clinton visited Jerusalem and said the wall was not against the Palestinian people, she killed us too! Christians who do not care kill us too!"

Carol's Tomb
by eileen fleming

12/25/06 photo @
http://www.thepeoplesvoice.org/cgi-bin/blogs/voices.php/2006/12/25/p1320...

In February 2003, Carol and her family of fourteen whose three story home and first floor business, adjacent to Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem were informed by the Palestinian Authority that The Wall would soon be coming to their neighborhood.

The family had moved into their comfortable dwelling in 1967, and would spend hours in their back yard garden with a view of open green space and watch pilgrims and tourists visit Rachel's Tomb and welcome them into their gift shop. The family is now encircled on three sides by 25-30 feet high slabs of concrete which have imprisoned them from the rest of the Little Town of Bethlehem: which is Occupied Territory.

For months the family helplessly observed the preparation work all around them, and then one week before Christmas 2005, Carol's children went to school and came home to discover that every view from every window was of the concrete monster. Palestinians like Carol are imprisoned on the Israeli side of the wall and the once economically thriving and vibrant main street in Bethlehem is now a ghost town for stores and restaurants have been abandoned.

Rachel's tomb and Carol's tomb are divided by the concrete barrier which is topped by guard towers and patrolled by soldiers in battle gear. Carol's home is less than 500 yards inside Bethlehem, and it had been the closest shop to Rachel's Tomb. Not long ago, multitudes of pilgrims and tourists would shop there, but today only the curious venture down the concrete walled pathway.

According to the Israeli government The Wall which has been deemed illegal by the International Court of Justice in The Hague is for the security of Jewish worshipers at the shrine they revere as the Tomb of Rachel. Rachel was the wife of the biblical patriarch Jacob, who was the first to be named "Israel" for having wrestled and struggled with The Divine being.

On May 14, 1948 The Declaration of the establishment of Israel affirmed:

"One the day of the termination of the British mandate and on the strength of the United Nations General Assembly declare The State of Israel will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel: it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion it will guarantee freedom of religion [and] conscience and will be faithful to the Charter of the United Nations."

On February 21, 2003, Raanan Gissin, Spokesmen for Ariel Sharon was interviewed regarding The Wall which imprisoned Carol and her family, and he claimed, "The main purpose here is not to annex that land, but to provide security [and to ensure] freedom of access and freedom of religion."

"Peace, Peace, Peace, they say, when there is no peace." Jeremiah 8:11

The Wall does not follow the Green Line so even the claims of security are nullified, for The Wall that imprisons Carol and her family divides Palestinians from Palestinians as it eviscerates their economy. Only Jews have freedom of access and religion, for Palestinian civilians are denied access to the holy sites.

The concrete wall and electrified fence has hundreds of thousands of Palestinians on the Israeli side, effectively undermining one of the stated purposes which is the policy of Hafrada, which is Hebrew for separation, and in actuality is: apartheid.

Dr. Jad Issac, the director general of the Applied Research Institute examined a satellite photograph of the area and stated, "Bethlehem is the Bethlehem ghetto now…rather than seeking to ensure freedom of religion, Israel was pushing Bethlehem's Christian Palestinians to pack up and leave. About 360 Palestinians would be left on the Israeli side and once they get rid of the Christians, then they will label the rest as terrorists."

Dr. Shmuel Berkovitz, an expert on Jerusalem and Jewish holy places, said The Wall effectively annexed Rachel's Tomb to Jerusalem from Bethlehem "as a matter of technical separation, without an official declaration. Right now, you can't see any romantic place there; you can see it only as a military position."

Rachel's Tomb is a small stone building with a dome, which was built during the Ottoman rule, but is now completely enclosed by the fortifications, built in 1996 and 1997. Carol told me that, "Six years ago when the Israeli army blocked the main street in Bethlehem we hoped it would be temporary. We could not imagine anyone could block another human being and isolate them like they have done to us. A week before last Christmas my children went to school and when they returned they were faced with the concrete wall in front of them. They cried and cried and wanted to know how could such a thing be done to them? We are living in a tomb, we are buried alive. My children suffer and their mother and father can do nothing.

"In another ten years there will be no more Christians in Bethlehem if things do not change soon. Everyone is leaving, we need work, and we need to feed our children. Jesus was born here but we are dying. My children suffer, they are angry and shout because nobody comes to visit us anymore and the children must stay inside after school.

"We use to enjoy being out in our garden watching the people, the trees, the cars that would pass by, but now we only see concrete walls. Our lives have been stolen! Do Americans understand what happens to children when they are buried alive? We need a solution fast so that our children can live like American children! We want human rights! When Hillary Clinton visited Jerusalem and said the wall was not against the Palestinian people, she killed us too! Christians who do not care kill us too!

"My family use to go to Haifa on the weekends, we use to live a peaceful and comfortable life. But now our business is bankrupt and we are in prison for being Palestinians."

*Carol-a pseudo name to protect the innocent.

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December 25, 2006 © Copyright 12/23/06 by eileen fleming. Permission is granted for reprint in print, email, blog, or web media if this credit is attached and the title remains unchanged. In Solidarity "we have it in our power to begin the world again."-Tom Paine

Do Something!
e
WAWA: http://www.wearewideawake.org

Eileen Fleming,
Celtic Christian of The Beatitudes, agitator church, state, and limp MSM,
Activist, poet, author creative spiritual literature, historical fiction and my memoirs from OPT
Reporter and Editor of http://www.wearewideawake.org/

What I sent to Senator Clinton:

Dear Senator Clinton,

I was born and bred in New York.

I have been to the Occupied Palestinian Territories four times since 2005.

I emailed you about your Nov. 2005 comments in Haaretz, but my email was not accepted because I now live in Florida.

This really got my Irish up and so, I did something.

The following is from "Memoirs of a Nice Irish-American Girls's Life in Occupied Territory" to be released Feb. 2007.

Chapter 3 in 3 Parts
Part 3:

THE WALL

On November 15, 2005, Senator Hillary Clinton stood on the Jerusalem side of The Wall and was quoted in Ha’aretz, expressing support for The Wall because it “is against terrorists