USA-IPA-Congress: Yes to Gravestones, No to Goldstone's

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - "Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed" –Martin Luther King, Jr.

To My Palestinian Brothers and Sisters in and out of Palestine: It's time to declare your Palestinian State independently of what Israel, America or the world will do.

Israel can't do more than it's already done to you for 61 years. What are they going to do? Occupy you, imprison you, bomb you, murder your children, evict you from your homes and bulldoze them to rubble, destroy your schools, hospitals, clinics, ambulances, mosques and churches; burn your olive farms, deprive you of food, water, and medicines, humiliate and beat you at checkpoints, constantly annex your land for illegal, violent, hate filled settlers; prevent you from praying at Al Aqsa mosque, ethnically cleanse you from Jerusalem, prevent you from visiting your families, deny you residency permits and employment, prevent you from performing Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca), dishonor your women, turn off your electricity, use you as human shields—what more can they possibly do to you that they've not already done.

For 61 years you've had no one while living in camps, tents, and on handouts—not Arabs, Muslims, Europeans, Americans, Russians, Asians, Africans, Latin Americans, Australians, New Zealanders; no one has lifted a finger as you starve, die, and bleed as refugees in your homeland.

Each of you is responsible for the freedom of all. Enough words, useless U.N. Resolutions, lying negotiations, peace processes, and Arab and American lies. All have failed you, none more so than the Arabs and Muslims.

Declare a State with East Jerusalem as your Capital and may the world go to hell.

God is with the oppressed. Trust Him and fight for your freedom. No one but God and yourselves can give you back your homeland. Seize the moment and the world's peoples will support you. Place your trust in God.

"Practically every congressman and senator says his prayers to the Israel lobby–they have done an enormous job of corrupting the American democratic process."
–George Ball, former Under Secretary of State and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and author of "The Passionate Attachment", a critique of Israel's power on U.S. MidEast Policy and its political, economic, and moral cost to the United States.

"The Israelis control the policy in the congress and the senate … somewhere around 80 percent of the senate of the United States is completely in support of Israel — of anything Israel wants…."
– Senator William Fulbright, Chairman Senate Foreign Relations Committee, October 7, 1973 on CBS' "Face the Nation".

"You can't have an Israel policy other than what A.I.P.A.C. gives you around here," Hollings said. "I have followed them mostly in the main, but I have also resisted signing certain letters from time to time, to give the poor president a chance."
–Senator Ernest Hollings (D-SC), Speech on Senate Floor, May 20, 2004 (prior to his retirement after serving 39 years in the Senate)

"The political reality is that the Jewish Lobby intimidates a lot of people up here (Congress)".
–Senator Chuck Hagel in an interview appearing on Ambassador Aaron Miller's website

"My number one priority in foreign policy is to protect Israel." 
(1995 – 2003)

"I would personally get in a ditch, grab a rifle, and fight and die (If Iraq attacks Israel)."
–President Bill Clinton, speaking at a Toronto Jewish Fund Raiser, July 30, 2002 (thestar.com)

"Israel's security is sacrosanct. It is non-negotiable . . . Our alliance is based on shared interests and shared values. Those who threaten Israel threaten us . . . as president I will never compromise when it comes to Israel's security."
–Candidate Barack Obama, June 2008 at the AIPAC Conference

Uri Avnery, former Israeli soldier and Member of Knesset, in his article on Counterpunch, "The Coronation Viewed from Israel. King George", January 24, 2005 wrote.

"Some people say, only half in jest, that the USA is an Israeli colony. And indeed, in many respects it looks like that. President Bush dances to Ariel Sharon's tune. Both Houses of Congress are totally subservient to the Israeli right-wing much more so than the Knesset. It has been said that if the pro-Israeli lobby were to sponsor a resolution on Capitol Hill calling for the abolition of the Ten Commandments, both Houses of Congress would adopt it overwhelmingly. Every year Congress confirms the payment of a massive tribute to Israel."

Israel "is why I went on the Foreign Affairs Committee….And on this particular issue, the single most important thing is to maintain the high level of Congressional support because they become a brake on– they become a force on what the Administration does."
–Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA), Future Chair of House Foreign Relations Committee, after the death of the Premier Zionist in Congress, Rep. Tom Lantos, February 22, 2008

"The United States will stand with Israel now and forever. Now and forever."
–Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Future Speaker of the House at AIPAC Annual Conference, 5/24/05 Office of the Speaker of the House:

Overheard at a meeting at the Speaker of the House's office with Democratic and Republican Congressional Leaders.

Speaker of the House:
"I called you today to discuss several important domestic issues on our agenda that we need to address as soon as possible. You all know the state of our economy, our astronomical debt and huge budget and trade deficits, the highest unemployment rate in decades, bank failures, home foreclosures, the ever rising number of the uninsured, especially children, the widespread and increasing hunger rates, homelessness, our deteriorating school systems, crumbling infrastructure of roads, bridges, tunnels, local budget cuts that result in less fire, police, and ambulance services, an almost bankrupt Social Security and Medicare system, funding Health Reform, Climate Change, and two ongoing g wars, that is if we're not pushed to bomb Iran and so much more. Now the President after his Afghan speech wants us to come up with $30 Billion to fund his surge.

I don't know where to begin or how on earth can we fund any of these issues when our economy is still shattered and our debt is exploding. I need some ideas on prioritizing and funding some of these domestic issues.

The Speaker's aide opened the door and suddenly you can hear a pin drop on the floor.

The Speaker got up with a forced smile, running and sweating toward the door to meet this woman they all knew too well.

The woman without speaking a word handed her one sheet of paper and left. The Speaker glanced at the paper and knew right away it demanded immediate attention.

"It's a letter from the man above my office demanding an immediate House Resolution that condemns the Goldstone Report along with an immediate transfer of $30 Billion to Israel's Central Bank. Well; what are you waiting for", She said with a crumbling voice.

Sure enough, by four p.m., the harshly worded Resolution was passed with the usual large bipartisan margin of 334 – 36 votes, and 22 abstentions. Only Israel can ensure bipartisanship in Congress.

The Resolution found the report, "irredeemably biased and unworthy of further consideration or legitimacy", and demanded that Obama and Clinton, "oppose unequivocally any endorsement or further consideration".

The Speaker ran up the stairs to the man and proudly delivered the passed Resolution and the successful transfer of the $30 Billion to Israel (she reminded herself that this was the money meant to support the troops as they head to Afghanistan. She wondered how many will die because the funds went to Israel and not to them, but she comforted herself that the White House would understand the "directions" she received from the man).

The man looked over the Resolution quietly and then lifted his eyes and said; "I want the names of those who voted no and abstained."

The Speaker humbly said that these men and women generally support Israel and she needs to keep the democrats to have a majority. She humbly reminded him that on March 5, 2008 the House defended Israel against Hamas during an episode of violence that killed over 100 Palestinians and 3 Israelis. She said the resolution passed by a vote of 404 – 1, so you see these men and women usually support Israel, I don't know why they didn't vote yes this time.

'Remind me who the sole person who voted no on that resolution", he demanded with anger.

"It was Rep. Ron Paul, republican from Texas, but he always goes his own way." She said hoping this meeting was over.

He stared her down and she quickly relented. "Yes, Sir, I'll have them on your desk tomorrow."

"I'd like to tell members that it's not just the House that's aligned with you but that the Senate is as well. Can you tell me what they've done lately in such regard?

"Yes," he answered, "76 Senators signed a letter I gave them to send to Obama to support Netanyahu and Israel. It's less then the usual 85 to 95 votes but I'll take it.'

He then added, "And by the way, just to let you know, the White House has dropped the stupid silly demand that Israel freeze its settlements."

He called in his Secretary and gave her the list of the Congressmen who dared not vote for his Resolution. "Send this to our media across the country from the Networks, to the radio stations, newspapers, and pundits; they'll know what to do."

At the end of the day he left his office and headed to the Senate and House Chambers. Taking his keys out he locked the doors of both chambers. He then let out a loud kosher laugh at how the little Jewish state can kick the behind of the world's sole superpower. Such ignorant cowardly fools, he thought to himself.

Another day in the life of the USA-IPA-CONGRESS. A nation and government under Israel, not God.

No one in the White House, Senate, House, or Media ever read the entire 575 pages of the Goldstone Report. Why bother with facts and truth when it comes to Israel.

The Goldstone Report:
Issued by the UNCHR Commission led by the renowned South African Jurist Richard Goldstone, who is Jewish.

On September 15, 2009, Judge Richard Goldstone and his Commission presented their 575-page Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict to its mandating authority, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The United Nations fact-finding mission on Israel's 22-day offensive on the Gaza Strip between December 2008 and January 2009 found evidence that Israeli forces committed serious war crimes and breaches of humanitarian law.

"We came to the conclusion, on the basis of the facts we found, that there was strong evidence to establish that numerous serious violations of international law, both humanitarian law and human rights law, were committed by Israel during the military operations in Gaza".

"The mission concluded that actions amounting to war crimes and possibly, in some respects, crimes against humanity, were committed by the Israel Defense Force (IDF)."

On October 16, 2009 the United Nations Human Rights Council endorsed the Goldstone Report, with a 25 – 6 vote with 16 abstentions. The US automatically opposed the resolution while Britain and France abstained.

On November 5, 2009 the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of the resolution endorsing the Goldstone Report with a 114 – 8 vote (obviously Israel and U.S. voted no), with 44 member Abstentions.

The President of the General Assembly called the vote, "an important declaration against impunity. It is a call for justice and accountability…Without justice, there can be no progress towards peace. A human being should be treated as a human being, regardless of his or her religion, race or nationality,"

Human Rights Organizations around the world praised and supported the findings of the Goldstone Report including Amnesty International which issued this statement: "UN vote on Goldstone report a defining step for accountability," November 6, 2009,

Israel was predictably outraged rejecting the resolution of the U.N. General Assembly and in a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry spokesman, Yigal Palmor described the report as "completely detached from realities",

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Gabriela Shalev, described the Goldstone Report as "conceived in hate and executed in sin". (Haaretz 11/4/09).

The White House also adopted Israel's rejection of the Goldstone Report prompting Judge Goldstone to state: "The U.S. does not have to support Israel blindly".

1417 dead, including 320 children and 109 women, 5300 injured (many seriously), 1606 were children; the far majority of the dead and injured were civilians, 60 of those killed were infants and children under the age of five. (According to B'tselem: 9 Israelis died: 6 were soldiers–some killed by friendly fire-and 3 civilians)

2000 – 2200: Number of Children Orphaned
52,000 homes destroyed
100,000 Gazans left Homeless
90% of Gazans depend totally on Food Aid
34: Number of Hospitals and Clinics destroyed or damaged
214: Number of Schools (including U.N. Schools) destroyed or damaged.
52: Number of Mosques and Churches destroyed or damaged.
25,000 – 50,000: Gazans suffering long term psychological damage (W.H.O.)

"The vast majority of the Palestinians killed in Israel's operation in the Gaza Strip last winter were innocent civilians rather than combatants, according to a new report to be published by the B'Tselem organization Wednesday morning. This is the opposite of what the Israel Defense Forces have said."
–Haaretz, "Rights group: Most Gazans killed in war were civilians", 9/9/09

The Israeli Human Rights Organization, B'Tselem's report on Israel's genocide upon Gaza sought to emphasize that "behind the dry statistics lie shocking individual stories. Whole families were killed; parents saw their children shot before their very eyes; relatives watched their loved ones bleed to death; and entire neighborhoods were obliterated." (September 9, 2009)

Let's take a look at a few Congressional Bills and Resolutions adopted by AIPAC's Congress comparing those dealing with Israel, ALL PRAISE, and those dealing with Muslim nations, ALL CONDEMNATION.

Bills/Resolutions Passed by House of Representatives Only During Years: 2003 2009 (105th – 111th) 1906 Bills/Resolutions Praising Israel. 3386 Bills/Resolutions condemning just 6 Muslim Nations

"The Arabs are right when they paint America as a great Zionist conspiracy"
–Doughlas Rushkoff, Professor New York University
In "Wrestling with Zion" (Grove Press, 2003)

Pity the American and Muslim peoples who despite their obvious differences live in similar political, economic, military and social environments. Both are ruled by powerful wealthy elites whose priority is to generate self wealth and ensure that the world is stable for doing business regardless if such nations are run by dictators, autocrats, communists, socialists, atheists, black, white, yellow, or brown. Both are dumbed down by an overwhelming pro-government pro-business media owned by the few who ensure a compliant unthinking population. Like sheep, both societies follow the shepherd called television in thought and deed. Both are demoralized, alienated, and detached from their political system, with one difference, Americans think they have a democratic vote and Muslims know they don't but the end result is the same-an Oligarchy: Money is the sole foundation of all things and of the so called "national interest" of a nation.

Historians will for centuries argue over how a small nation like Israel, a nation transformed from former slaves to modern day masters, was powerful and able enough to manipulate an entire world to be mindful, sensitive, and compliant to its psyche and will.

In total ignorance, Americans are complicit with Israel's atrocities given that Israel's killing machine is paid for by these hapless taxpayers.

"I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever".
–President Thomas Jefferson

Some quotes on Israel Militarism, Terrorism, and the Power of its U.S. Lobby, primarily AIPAC.

"Children have been shot in other conflicts I have covered–death squads gunned them down in El Salvador and Guatemala, mothers with infants were lined up and massacred in Algeria, and Serb snipers put children in their sights…in Sarajevo–but I have never before watched soldiers entice children like mice into a trap and murder them for sport,"
–Chris Hedges, The Nation, March 11, 2002

"Jews must learn to say without excuse, without equivocation, despite our history and our powerlessness in the past, despite all the injustices that we have endured-today, now, the Palestinians are the victims of oppression, and their oppressors are the Israelis." 
– Irena Klepfisz, (Bartleby.com)

"Since 1967, millions of Palestinians have been under a military occupation, without any civil rights, and most lacking even the most basic human rights. The continuing circumstances of occupation and repression give them, by any measure, the right to resist that occupation with any means at their disposal and to rise up in violence against that occupation. This is a moral right inherent to natural law and international law. Even today, most of the public simply does not know that every violent step taken against the Palestinians – let alone the aggregate of those steps – borders on war crimes…. A state that regards itself as enlightened cannot behave like a terror-state, even if it suffers from terrorism."
–Professor Baruch Kimmerling, Haaretz, "The Right To Resist", March 27, 2001

The front jacket of the book "Jewish Power" states: "..a frank look at Jewish power and influence in America today…a rare insider's portrait of the people, the institutions, the money, and the ideas that make up Jewish political influence in the U.S., from the Anti-Defamation League to the United Jewish Appeal, to the New York Times, to the…Jewish caucus in the House of Representatives…He details the absolutely vital role Jews play in Democratic party politics and fund raising. He describes the inner workings of the feared pro-Israel lobby….and its surprising role in shaping American foreign policy. He tackles……Jewish media influence."
–J. J. Goldberg, "Jewish Power", 1996: Addison-Wesley Publications, Co., Inc.

"I am aware how almost impossible it is in this country to carry out a foreign policy [in the Middle East] not approved by the Jews. [Former Secretary of State George] Marshall and [former Defense Secretary James] Forestall learned that….. Terrific control the Jews have over the news media and the barrage the Jews have built up on congressmen…. I am very much concerned over the fact that the Jewish influence here is completely dominating the scene and making it almost impossible to get congress to do anything they don't approve of. The Israeli embassy is practically dictating to the congress through influential Jewish people in the country"
–Secretary of State John Foster Dulles in February 1957 quoted in Donald Neff's "Fallen Pillars", page 99.

"We killed them out of a certain naive hubris. Believing with absolute certitude that now, with the White House, the Senate, and much of the American media in our hands, the lives of others do not count as much as our own"
–Ari Shavat. New York Times, May 27, 1999 (Referring to the 1996 Israeli massacre of over 100 Lebanese civilians seeking protection at a U.N. compound in Qana, Lebanon. The U.N. condemnation of this attack led the U.S. to defeat the re-election of Butros Butros Ghali as U.N. Secretary General)

"In the world according to U.S. media, the high moral ground in the Middle East belongs to Israel's government…In news coverage; Israeli casualties are apt to have names, faces and bereaved relatives, while Arab victims are likely to be fleeting images: nameless, faceless, distant. Israel's most crucial allies include the mass media of the United States. Together with top officials in Washington, news outlets keep reinforcing the assumption that the Israeli government can do little wrong. Vigorous debate about Israeli policies, however, is not on the media agenda…For decades, strong critics of Israel have encountered charges of Anti-Semitism. The constant threat of the accusation has a chilling effect on debate. But, sadly, there's not much to chill. Even when the lives of children hang in the balance, the U.S. media debate about Israel seems to ends before it begins."
–Normon Solomon and Jeff Cohen, "The Wizard of Oz", pg. 243 – 246

"Israel, world's biggest threat to world peace!"
The headlines blared across Europe when the "Eurobarometer" poll conducted in 15 E.U. nations, done by the European Commission was released. It reported that more than 59% of EU citizens see Israel as a threat to the world.
–AFP-Reuter-Agencies, Brussels, Nov. 2003.

"The politics and policies of the so-called "state of Israel" should play no part in governing the United States or in our upcoming elections. Rather, the focus should be on the needs of the American people. Jews in the United States are USA Citizens and are as concerned with improving the lives of the people of the USA as any other American citizen….The politicians who continue expound on supporting the "state of Israel are trying to bolster their campaigns and popularity, thinking that this will sway the Jewish vote."
–Rabbi Joseph Dershowitz, "Keep Israel Out of American Politics", May 7, 2004 (TrueTorahJews.org)

Recommended Books:
"The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine", Prof. Ilan Pappe
"What Price Israel?" by Dr. Alfred L. Lilenthal
"Bad News from Israel", Greg Philo and Mike Derry, Glasgow University Media Group, Pluto Press, 2004
"One Nation Under Israel" by Andrew Hurley
"The Question of Palestine" by Edward Said
"Jewish Power", by J. J. Goldberg
"Fifty Years of Israel", by Donald Neff
"The Arabs: Myth and Reality", by George Butt
"Original Sins", by Benjamin Beit-Hallahmi
"The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Problem Revisited", by Benny Morris
"The Holocaust Industry", by Norman G. Finkelstein
"The Invention of Ancient Israel: The Silencing of Palestinian History", by Keith W. Whitelam
"The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World", by Avi Shlaim
"The Passionate Attachment: America's Involvement With Israel, 1947 to the Present", by George W. Ball
"They Dare to Speak Out: People and Institutions Confront Israel's Lobby", by Paul Findley
"It's the Media, Stupid", by Robert W. McChesney and John Nichols
"Jewish History, Jewish Religion: The Weight of Three Thousand Years" by Prof. Israel Shahak
"Assault on the Liberty" by James M. Ennes, Jr.

* Mohamed Khodr is a political activist who frequently writes on the plight of Palestinians living under the brutal occupation of Israel, U.S. Foreign Policy, Islam, and Arab politics.