Why does our society only take terrorism seriously when it happens to Americans? I was watching the news today when they were describing the seige on Arafat's headquarters. They mentioned the "So-Called Passover Massacre". Cocky ass tone of voice completely belittling the loss of human life that had happened. Everyone is so gung-ho in support of Dubya's War on Terrorism, but so ready to condemn Israel for fighting back against the DAILY terrorism that takes place there. In the year and a half that this current wave of violence (I will not call it "Intifada" because that implies uprising, and this time it started in spite of Israel's efforts to work towards a solution, simply because Israel wanted a compromise instead of complete consession) has been going on, the American media has constantly used language completely biased towards the Palestinians. "X number of people were killed, including X Palestians". There have been countless tragedies on both sides of this. Yet, it is not politically correct to acknowlege the suffering of the people of Israel. Is this truely a response to the "apartheid" situation there, or is it a new, acceptable way to be anti-semetic? And we can really finger point about the oppression and separation over there. If you honestly believe that Apartheid is not a problem in this country, visit any inner city.

Yes, when Israel retaliates there are higher casualties than the initial attacks. But how many were lost on 9/11 compared to how many Afghanis, Iraqis, and others we have yet to hear of that were killed by US fire? Why is it ok for us to retaliate (meaning obliterate) but not for Israel to do the same? They certainly have a much larger threat on their hands than we do. There have been international terrorist attacks on US soil twice. Over in Israel, I'd be suprized if anyone can even count. Back in the '80's it was pretty much constant. And Arafat was the kingpin behind it. It was convenient how we all forgot about that in the last decade or so. But he's forgiven. He's Clinton's buddy. He's all old and cuddly looking now. Never mind the thousands that have died at his command. We declare war on terrorism, but for some reason feel the need to kiss his ass.

Don't get me wrong, I don't condone violence and oppression. Personally the very idea of Ariel Sharon in any position of power scares the shit out of me. He's a pitbull on crank, but we have to deal with him for now.

Feel free to blast me out of the water on any of this.

-CRbE