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August 4, 2005
A Disgusting Attack, Novak on Edge, Shutout!, Bicycle
An Israeli settler attacked and murdered 4 Palestinian civilians. What does this prove? There's a very distinct difference between the two sides in this war. One side willfully targets civilians. The other side abhors the death of civilians. Within an hour of theses attacks, Ariel Sharon condemned them. When did Arafat ever condemn an attack on civilians? The again, Arafat was ordering them.
The most regretful thing about this incident is the loss of civilians. A civilian is never a legitimate target. But this incident also paints a domestic picture - how those on the extreme are reacting. It is unfortunate that those on the far left have made Israel their target of choice. In all of the encounters I've had with people who are virulently anti-Israeli, it is readily apparent that it is merely cloaked anti-semitism. There's nothing wrong with being critical of Israel - I consider myself to be a very large critic of Israel just as I am a very large critic of my own country. But there's a difference between having a legitimate grievance with policy, and singling out one country and holding it to an impossible standard. Especially while, at the same time, standards are lowered for the other side of this conflict.
Let me get this clear right now - the Israelis should've pulled out of the West Bank and Gaza years ago. It was right of Barak to offer what he offered during the peace process. Israel should hold itself to a high standard, and hold itself to the rule of law - as it does. IDF soldiers must stop attacking the press, and must be more careful to avoid unnecessary civilian casulties. But there is a difference between a civilian being caught in the crossfire of a fight between military units, and blowing up a Pizza Parlor or Daycare or City Bus. If you think the death of Rachel Corey was noble, then you need to look at who's murdering who.
If the roles were reveresed, and this was an Arab shooting Jews on a bus (bear in mind that all involved were Israeli citizens) then the Arabs would celebrate the gunman as a martyr. The family would recieve financial considerations. And the government would be silent. But since this was a Jew attacking Arabs, the Israeli Government, Military, and Police all denounced the attack. This man's family will likely not be able to stay in Israel (if they're even there in the first place). And had he not been killed by the mob, he would've been arrested and locked up forever.
Which brings me to my point - I am sick and tired of hearing those who claim to represent those of us on the left denouncing every "human rights abuse" and "racist" act of Israel. You want racist acts? Look at Darfur. Or Liberia. Or Indonesia. Or Chechnya. You want Human Rights Abuse? Look at China. Or Russia. Or the Congo. Or Cuba. There are many worse offenders in the world. Going after Israel while ignoring said offenders is not criticism. It is Anti-Semitism. For more on this, checkout The Case for Israel by Alan Dershowitz. This book does to Finkelstein and Chomsky what Lies and Lying Liars did to Bill O'Reilly and Fox News.
Moving onto slightly lighter matters... Bob Novak said bullshit on CNN today, and then stormed off the set. I'm confused - isn't this one of the neocons who was shocked, shocked, by Janet Jackson's breast? Guess it's tough to recognize that you're a principle actor in the unravelling of your buddy Dubya. Just saying...
So I could've gone to the game tonight. Patterson pitched a shutout, and got 13 strikeouts. Wilky hit a grand slam. I could've been there tonight. Then again, I was there last night and the night before... But still...13 strikeouts. 7 runs. Man...
So I've started biking again. I used to be active - I started running on the treadmill in the gym of my former super-swanky apartment building in downtown Orlando. But here I have no gym. And I tried running on the paths here once, and realized that was a pretty laughable idea for me. But on my bicycle...How wonderful.
But there are rules to how to engage in physical excersize in DC.
Rule number 1: Bring the iPod. How else are you going to listen to the new Death Cab for Cutie?
Rule number 2: Shorts are acceptable, even if your legs give sasquatch a run for his money. (I'll discuss my Sideshow Bob hair in another entry).
Rule number 3: A t-shirt from a former campaign must be worn, extra points if it's from a losing campaign (Come on - we're Democrats. We have lots of THOSE shirts). Besides, where else are you going to be able to strut a John Kerry or Bill Bradlee t-shirt?
Rule number 4: If on Bicycle, wear a helmet. That big squishy thing inside that skull is what makes you your money. Besides, the helmets look much cooler now than they used to. I asked the guy at the bike store what the difference between the $30 model and the $80 model - he said "Comfort. But they're all comfortable." So I asked, "Does the $30 model do just as good of a job as the $80 model in letting me continue to not die?" "Yes - you will continue to not die if you wear either model. They all meet the same safety standards."
Rule number 5: Fanny packs are acceptable when working out. But ONLY when working out. Wearing it any other time will bring shame onto your whole household. In fact, if you do - even while working out, wear one - I suggest the campaign t-shirt. That way, people will realize that you're a local and not yell at you for sport when you're on the Metro.
Posted by MikeSager at August 4, 2005 11:17 PM
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