Glenn Greenwald (Salon, 6/3/10), in a compelling blog post on “Victimhood, Aggression and Tribalism,” quotes Noam Chomsky from Imperial Ambitions:
In one of his many speeches, to U.S. troops in Vietnam, [Lyndon] Johnson said plaintively, “There are three billion people in the world and we have only two hundred million of them. We are outnumbered fifteen to one. If might did make right they would sweep over the United States and take what we have. We have what they want.”That is a constant refrain of imperialism. You have your jackboot on someone’s neck and they’re about to destroy you.
The same is true with any form of oppression. And it’s psychologically understandable. If you’re crushing and destroying someone, you have to have a reason for it, and it can’t be,”I’m a murderous monster.”It has to be self-defense. “I’m protecting myself against them. Look what they’re doing to me.” Oppression gets psychologically inverted; the oppressor is the victim who is defending himself.
This is, in fact, one of the standard justifications for violence of the strong against the weak–up to and including genocide. (See FAIR Blog, 2/2/09). That’s why when Israeli security forces kill more than 3,000 civilians in Gaza since 2001 and Palestinian rockets fired from Gaza kill 27 Israelis over the same time period, people can argue with a straight face that Israel’s self-defense needs require it to impose a crushing blockade on Gaza that has forced 10 percent of the population into chronic malnutrition.
That the blockade’s actual purpose has little to do with self-defense is illustrated by the wide array of prohibited goods that have nothing to do with security, as Peter Beinart pointed out in the Daily Beast (6/1/10; cited in Yglesias, 6/3/10):
The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations greeted news of the flotilla disaster by repeating a common “pro-Israel” talking point: that Israel only blockades Gaza to prevent Hamas from building rockets that might kill Israeli citizens. If only that were true. In reality, the embargo has a broader and more sinister purpose: to impoverish the people of Gaza, and thus turn them against Hamas. As the Israeli newspaper Haaretz has reported, the Israeli officials in charge of the embargo adhere to what they call a policy of “no prosperity, no development, no humanitarian crisis.” In other words, the embargo must be tight enough to keep the people of Gaza miserable, but not so tight that they starve.
This explains why Israel prevents Gazans from importing, among other things, cilantro, sage, jam, chocolate, French fries, dried fruit, fabrics, notebooks, empty flowerpots and toys, none of which are particularly useful in building Kassam rockets. It’s why Israel bans virtually all exports from Gaza, a policy that has helped to destroy the Strip’s agriculture, contributed to the closing of some 95 percent of its factories, and left more 80 percent of its population dependent on food aid. It’s why Gaza’s fishermen are not allowed to travel more than three miles from the coast, which dramatically reduces their catch…. There’s a name for all this: collective punishment.
There is an interviewing technique, Enough Rope technique, that instead of challenging the person being questioned, agrees too much. They have to either except the absurdity or adjust it.
Ex. above, Ask LBJ, don’t you think that the US is under constant threat from even the smallest countries outside our borders? To answer yes would be foolish, so he has to back track on his statement. See how it works? Sometimes agreeing too much is as damaging as any tough questions.
Conversely, the imperial mentality, at least as displayed historically by the US, also asserts that wars and occupations are meant to bring “freedom and democracy” to their victims.
So they hate us, so we have to kill them, or we love them, so we have to kill them.
Take your pick. Doesn’t make much difference to the dead, does it?
The reality is this type of marketing is only for mass public manipulation in order to gain support while the core interests are really about stealing resources and subjugating people, mainly people of color in developing nations. Too often the extent of the efforts work to create civil wars of genocidal proportions. This gives great cover to the wiley imperialist thieves. Isreal is not about security at all. From day one the intent of the fascist and racist zionists was ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians and the stealing of their land, water resources, homes and orchards.
People need to remember that Hamas offerred the olive branch to Isreal. There was a working cease fire that Isreal trashed several weeks before it was up for renewal. Isreal does this over and over again, goading the Palestinians into a response and then crying about their victimhood and reacting with as much force as they think they can get away with internationally.
The US did the same in Iraq for their oil and geopolitical location. Democracy? Hah! This country has never supported a legitimate democratic election in a poorer nation. It only supports totalitarian governments–they are simpler to work with, control, or get removed.
Every villain alive today uses the same excuse. They are being attacked, someone wants to take away their country, etc. Republicans are very good at these kinds of lies, they have had a lot of practice. Democrats, on the other hand, are not very good liars, they have a conscience, and they are very aware of it. Republicans see the world as a projection of themselves, though they are not aware of this, and so, their world is always dark and threatening. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “People seem not to see that their opinions of the world is also a confession of their character.”
Let’s say what was obvious since 1968. the Israeli tormentors and brigands have always aimed at one thing; strangulation of the people to make them go away. it is genolcide by Jewish Mother. It always has been.
I love these articles that play with numbers in an academic way,but avoid the seminal problem.Let me enlighten you.6000 rockets fired into Israel by neighbors who have sworn to kill every Jew!You want her to “overlook ‘this because so far it has not killed that many Israeli’s.Those poor terrorist just don’t seem to be good shots.So Israel should just accept this as the rain that falls upon the plains….Ask yourself one question .How many would fall on you and your family before you act to protect them?So Israel’s defense forces judged this embargo as a way to stop the flood of rockets in.Even Egypt agreed it would help to do that.And guess what?It has!!!Now I know you military geniuses(who care so for the people of Israel)Are better able to judge the viability of this embargo than Israeli generals.But I don’t think so.
You also have not read the “rules of engagement”of this embargo.Israel has set up huge ports of call for all ships to pass through in an orderly and speedy fashion.This is run and maintained by several countries.All materials that pass inspection may pass through.All materials!Sorry guys but rockets wont be allowed.And that is why Turkey in alliance with other other Hamas supporters tried to create this crisis.It was planned for weeks,and written up in the terrorist press networks.
So The embargo has pinched off military supplies entering the contested areas.It will continue as long as Israel deems in necessary.You can bleat and twist facts till the sun don’t shine.One fact you can not contest.The huge amount of poorly aimed rockets fired into Israel have ceased for now.Lets all of us thank God for that.
FAIR is based in Manhattan–we’re familiar with the concept of terrorism.
michael e:
You fail to mention those rockets are falling on Palestinian land stolen by armed settlers. Maybe you could take the time to explain how fighting for your land is terrorism on one side and stealing land is a right. Could you also point out one other Country who moves civilians into captured territory and sets up neighbourhoods to be fired on, then claims terrorism…
To Robert
Palestinian land?Do you mean that huge portion in Syria?Or Egypt?Or Libia?or Iraq?Or any of the Arab countries that the majority of Palestinians once lived in,and were booted out never to return?No Rockets being fired there.Only into the Jewish areas.A strip of land. And the Jews are the only ones willing to even talk to Palestinians about trading land for peace. Actually they have done that a number of times. Always to be attacked from the high ground they just turned over. And now you want them to do it again. And again. And again. What do you promise in return for this barter? You promise more attacks. Israel driving back the attackers. Creating a buffer zone on the “high ground”only to be called the real terrorists by you. Israel is reactionary. They do not seek out more conquests. But they have the means to kill every Palestinian and enemy about them. But they do not use those means. They want peace.If the rolls were reversed the sea would run red with Jewish blood with no mercy given. There are your terrorists Robert.
You ask” who settles on captured land”?…..Historically speaking—-EVERY COUNTRY THAT HAS EVER BEEN! We are all the product of the transmigration and absorption of tribes that are and have been. And those means are varied. Jews have lived in their homeland for thousands of years. Their claim is a good one. They have turned the small plot into a garden. The area that once held a couple thousand palestinians who were nomadic now hold millions. Jews are willing to live in peace with them.If you believe in stolen palestinian land and the need to take it back by any means. Even the wanton killing of innocent non combatants….Let those arms turn against the Arabs who hold the gross majority of the historical Palestinian lands.
And A HALF CENTURY US “embargo” of Cuba has turned Cubans against the Castros! The israelis are indeed MESHUGGA!
Michael e, as a defender of Israel’s aggression, you demonstrate your ability to be brainwashed. An arrogant, closed mind will never allow any criticism. For man to develop and advance beyond the animal into a higher conscious state, an open awareness that allows all information to be honestly considered is vital. Unfortunately we see “might is right” demonstrated. The limited human potential from the guy with the biggest rock, the most unfeeling fierceness, the unthinking aggression.
All of recorded history teaches us this way only leads to destruction. Every extreme dominance has inspired the burning of books, the tearing down of acquired learning, the loss of every accumulated advance.
So to this day we have technology that far surpasses our logic, our sensitivity, and our emotional control. We may pass into oblivion like our larger brained cousin the Neandrathal.
D Jessy we may speak calmly across the table and break bread when the killing has stopped.I do not defend any aggression. And I aknowlege the horrendous loss of life from colaterol damage due to Israel’s attacks on Terrorist positions.I mourn this loss of life.But You must see the colateral damage to non combatants is the GOAL of the Terrorists.THE GOAL!We here in the US were able to wag our fingers at Israel up till 9/11.On that day as Palestinians cheered in their streets at the justifiable result to US aggression,We came to understand the madness Israel is faced with.
There is a story….A turtle goes to the Jordan.A scorpion jumps on his back and says carry me across or i will sting you and you will die.Half way across he stings the Turtle.The Turtle says why?Now we will both die.The scorpion shrugs his shoulders and says “this is the middle east”.
When a bomb explodes in a school bus loaded with children in Israel.When 3000 people die in N.Y.When God help us the day comes that these people gain a nuclear weapon and use it in LA or Philadelphia or London or the capital of Israel.Or any other place they deem deserving of death.I for one will not see the killers as freedom fighters.Or patriots.
Poor michael e. I’d suggest you stop reading science fiction for a while. And trying to learn a little history along the way. The real historical accounts, discussions and analysis about how Israel came to be country and how little by little is taking over the Palestinian territory with the help of the US and the rest of the world; not the brainwashing stuff you’ve been fed. For your own sake, get out of Fox, CNN and all the crap you like to watch and that doesn’t allow you to see beyond your nose.
These kinds of problems throughout history have sadly, never gone away peacefully. Israel will never have a ‘moment of clarity or morality’ and return to 1967 borders, or lift any blockade. The world is demanding an end to this collective punishment of the blockade, and in the end, the world will get its way. Contrary to common western myths…Israel does not control the world…just the west.
If not for the brave people outside Gaza to shine the light on the oppression, The Palestinians might
well be extinct by now. Israel is lost because it uses the very terror used on them by the Nazis to inflict
nearly the same punishment on Gaza. So, instead of a quick trip to the ovens or showers the Palestinians get a slow agonizing deterioration at the hands of the Nazi’s victims…what hideous irony. The world is angry and no amount of cheap sleazy propaganda will sway that opinion.
And the usual suspects kept rather quiet on it… while nearly the entire planet condemned it. Those
being the Anglo/Dutch/American empire…well what’s left of it. They were the only three power centers to
basically say nothing. Silence is complicity And complicit they are…all bow to the Israeli lobby-god.
They are owned and they know it.
To the Bildergergers…who happen to be Israel’s only life line…I say cut the umbilical to Israel, they have become a liability no one really wants. No more money, aid, etc. They are so righteous let them stand alone.
To fellow Americans. For how much longer are you going to be led around by the balls? How long are you going to accept the propaganda and lies from both sides? Time for a middle-east divorce. Of course if we do that then the Muslims will over-run Israel in an instant and the Israeli’s know this.
And that is the real conundrum for both the west and Israel…they both know that without western support…Israel cannot exist.
Unfortunately, as told by history, this blood-feud in the middle east has been going on for some time and will not end until there is a real show-down. A showdown the west will seriously want to avoid.
Wow reading these comments from several of you gives me the chills.Please lets everybody fill in the box marked anti-Semitic/ yes or no.Some of youl really need to come clean and say what mr chuckles( the leader of Iran)says daily.”All jews must die”.At least that would be an honest start for a bunch of you.Because some of Your arguments here are really getting ludicrous.It is part of that sickness so many people in the U.S suffer from.Blame America first….And of course Jews ahead of them. I can see a few of you making these arguments while being photo shopped into the pictures of the terrorists beheading unarmed American captives.You could be smiling and giving a thumbs up.
Look bottom line.Im not Jewish.But like you i am an infidel(Unless you are a radical muslim).Slated for extermination.These poor poor souls you are suffering for- have proven they could kill you, or at the least applaud their leaders for doing so.Because your Jewish.Because your American.Because because because.Tell me again why your buds celebrated for days after 911?Really try to bring some humanity to that for me.Cause I am missing it.
My idea would be go to Israel someday.Vacation.See what a warm and loving people they truly are.See the millions of Palistineans who live in peace every day with Jews.Moving away from radicalism on both side you will find most people just want to live a happy life.
ps….But if the tour bus should explode, killing your family and crippling you…………(some of you) could always invite those who did it over for dinner.After all you believe you deserved it.
“Some of youl really need to come clean and say what mr chuckles( the leader of Iran)says daily.’All jews must die'”
Yeah, speaking of honesty: where _does_ he say that?
“These poor poor souls you are suffering for- have proven they could kill you”
Really? A Palestinian toddler could do that, eh? You’re right; they are monsters . . . .
“Tell me again why your buds celebrated for days after 911?Really try to bring some humanity to that for me.Cause I am missing it.”
Because suffering brings out the worst in a lot of people.
Because the USA is seen (justifiably) as being in cahoots with Israel.
Becausebecausebecause.
“See what a warm and loving people they truly are”
No doubt. But you seem to believe that “warm and loving” people just aren’t capable of either murdering people themselves (which Israeli settlers have done) or voting in those who’ll do it for them. And this happens when they’re told or believe that Group X Just Wants to Kill Them Because They Are Good!
Todd
Okay okay “Ach ma needs a job”is a sweet sweet guy Who loves Jews .I stand corrected.How about you Pull up his translated speeches within Iran.Your jaw will drop so hard it will hit the floor when you hear what he has in store for Israel.There is a sight that translates Farsi.Look into that Then come back here and defend him.He is a a real piece of work.
I guess your entire argument -or I should say justification for the deaths of 3000 Americans on 911 and jews anywhere and everywhere that Hamas can hunt them down is “Because suffering brings out the worst in people”.Man that is weak.And Todd lets remember Hamas is the elected leadership of the Palestinian people. Their charter CALLS for Israel’s destruction!We are not arguing semantics here.You may be cagey about your feelings but they are not.As far as standing with Israel.Why would we stand with the only tried and true democracy in the middle east?When all around her are radical Islamic martyr states?Yeah we made the wrong call there.
I think if you had to write an essay on what is the difference between freedom fighting patriots and terrorists- you would make the classic liberal distinction that “there is none”!Or ‘it depends on what side of the fence you are on”.That is a load of crap.If you see the US or israel on the same leval as the 911 Terrorists you don’t get it- and probably never will.I saw an interesting poll.Ask the Israeli population or their leaders if they wish every palestinian dead and they will rightfully look at you as a nut.Ask the same of Hamas (the leaders of the Palestinians),your gonna get a nasty answer.But lets cut them a break.Maybe they just had a bad day right?
As I said before.The great majority of Palestinian lands were in Arab countries.Those countries have no plan to ever return even one square foot.Why is there no war or charter of destruction against these countries.?I mean did Hamas miss that?Did you miss that?No this is a deep seeded insane hatred.Without bounds, and needing no input or action from Jews themselves.Is it not strange that when the news breaks of another terrorist attack,in almost any part of the globe ,we don’t automatically think it is a Rabbi or a priest.Saddly it is usually a radical muslim.All Muslims are not terrorists.But most terrorists are.This is not spin.This is a wound on Islam.A storm.And Israel lives in the heart of that storm.
The US relationship with Israel is clearly designed to prolong a low level war aimed maintaining our abillity to use Israel as a base of opperations in the middle east if we lose all our other “friends”. As some diplomat said (whose name escapes me) “nobody know what get said in Israely meetings but if you were to design a policy to derail peace talks it would look just like Israrely forign policy. The problem is that now Charley Mcarthy is looking more and more like Chucky
My theory is that this bash Israel question and play on the racism and anti-semitism of some Liberals is a way to attack Liberalism or Progressivism and make it look hateful.
In my view Liberalism, the Left, Progressivism is not about being a pacifist, or doing nothing in the face of hate and terrorism, it is about humanism, and taking care of problems that threaten humanity.
Clearly, radical Islam is such a threat, even a horrible threat to their own people. The idea of countries owned by a religion is anti-any-kind-of-progressivism … of training children to be terrorists is such a primary threat that the reaction of Israel in dealing with such a threat is a secondary issue at best.
Anyone who thinks they are a humanist, Liberal, Progressive has no buisness following this kind of twisted mindset that only focuses on the force Israel used to defend itself and never even mentions the Palestinian actions or mindset. This is the commonality in all articles like this … there is no balance and they are all biased and only deal with Israel statements.
Anyone with an open mind or who does not have prejudices would notice this right away.
This whole Israel issue is a rope a dope strategy to discredit Liberals and make them look hateful and stupid.
Last 4 posts a bit repetitive isn’t it.
Can’t you make your point without crowding others out?
It is war isn’t it, and the Israelis get this kind of flack for prosecuting
their side of the way whether they do it gentle or rough … this was that
the Palestinians force on them.
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our country received food aids from EU nations and it is a good thing to have those food aid programs,;”