Unnecessary force and international solidarity
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Propaganda and pink
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A view of the war from Morocco
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Zionism is a loaded word
Editors, Asheville Global Report,
In response to Mr. Brodskys letter to the editors
of AGR (#218, Cheap pot-shots undermine AGR coverage):
You define Zionism as the belief in a Jewish homeland, nothing
more, nothing less. I do not agree with this statement. Even according
to my unabridged American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
and my Websters New World Dictionary, Zionism refers specifically
to Israel/Palestine. Your assertion is irresponsible. Zionism is a loaded
word loaded with a disgraceful history. The term is extremely
subjective. Although there is certainly a growing movement of people
who do believe in an Israeli state alongside a Palestinian state
the folks from Tikkun etc., seeking a middle ground the right-wing
settlement supporting Jews of Israel have glaringly imposed their agenda
in the name of Zionism. To a Palestinian, Zionism equals oppression
(backed by US$$).
Mr. Brodsky, language is powerful; it derives action, and you cant
denigrate this word to fit your argument. You may not like the way AGR
has used the word, but the reality is that the word carries the weight
of all that has been done in its name.
Jennifer Lapidus
Marshall, North Carolina
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Unnecessary force and international solidarity
Editors, Asheville Global Report,
I am a 57-year-old grandmother who was arrested at the
anti-war demo last week [Mar. 20]. As a veteran of 25 years of activism,
I have to say that the Asheville police went beyond the term unnecessary
force in their attempts to intimidate marchers. I personally witnessed
at least six people brutally slammed to the ground for various offenses
like stepping off the curb into the street or saying Thats
stupid to a police request. Who strategized this enforcement pattern
and what do they hope to gain? Is this how we want our public servants
to respond to legitimate dissent? When we say that we dont want
our young folks to be apathetic, is this how we foster civic engagement?
Im seriously disappointed with the broader Asheville community
for not taking to the streets. Everywhere in the world, people are expressing
solidarity with the anti-war movement. I cant help but think that
if there had been more ordinary folk on the march, the police
would have behaved better. Young people are an easier target and may
have more difficulty organizing an effective response due to lack of
money, etc. I encourage anyone who was at the march or saw the news
or heard about it; who sees their responsibility to speak up because
we were marching for them too; I encourage those folks to write to their
city council members, their city advisory boards, the newspapers, the
police, what have you, to create more public discussion on dissent in
Asheville and the role of enforcement in our community. The police response
was not acceptable.
Fierce peace,
redmoonsong
Asheville, North Carolina
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Propaganda and pink
Editors, Asheville Global Report,
I feel like a propaganda puppet. I have strong beliefs
about the world, yet when I watch a report or read an article, I think,
I can understand that point of view. This coming from both
sides of the fence, be it, why we are at war or why we should not be
at war. I get frustrated that it is hard for me to take a firm stand.
In the end, whether I believe Saddam should be dethroned
or not, I believe in always giving peace a chance.
I wrote to a friend the other day that I feel there is not much I can
do about the war situation. That the world has a story to tell and all
I can do is read it. But I cannot allow myself to believe this. I am
not much of an activist, but I went to my second peace rally Saturday
at Pritchard Park thinking that, if nothing else, my presence alone
helps support the peace effort. The last one I went to I had a feeling
that a small number of people there would protest anything. Protesting
for the sake of protesting. So I went a step further and made a sign
to define my own views. Citizen of the World hometown:
United States and God/Spirit,... bless ALL your children
Celebrate Diversity. This made me feel that at least I
was protesting in my own voice.
I enjoyed the information given at the rally by the member of your staff.
It helped to make my stance more steadfast. It is intelligent and precise
information like this that I think needs to be put in the spotlight
to help shift the balance. Yet I must comment on something I saw at
the rally that takes away from this. Not overshadowing it, but distracting
from it. And it wasnt even the guy across the street preaching
bible quotes that had nothing to do with the situation at hand. It was
these guys in pink. My feeling was they were there more
to bring attention to themselves. How can people driving by take anyone
seriously, looking as such, no matter what their sign says? This is
a serious matter and I want to reemphasize the need for serious participation
such as you provide and say to supporters like the pink guys that we
need more constructive methods to express our view and cause.
This is all, and again, thank you for helping to shift the balance.
Scott A. Sands
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A view of the war from Morocco
Editors, Asheville Global Report,
I am writing this letter from Rabat, Morocco. I am writing
home so that people might get a little glimpse of how the war is viewed
from here. What I have seen is people losing their respect for the USA.
There are frequent demonstrations in support of Iraq and her people.
People view the war as an aggression against a country and her people.
One of the saddest things I have seen is a little boy on television
saying that he hated America because it is killing the children of Iraq.
There are many pictures of Iraqi wounded and the places which have been
destroyed, which include some homes.
Since the attack began, the TV stations often air the statements from
Iraqi officials and Saddam Hussein. I believe that the war has given
their words greater respect and strength. People listen more to them
and see the US and Britain as liars. There is increased police and army
presence in the streets and around government buildings. The people
are very critical of what they see as the various Arab countries governments
inadequate response to the situation.
When visiting my friend Azizs cousin, she said to me, Im
sorry, but I am telling all my friends to boycott American products.
People do not see any justification for this war. They believe that
it is a war for political power and control of the region and its oil.
Cicada Brokaw
Rabat, Morocco
[Cicada Brokaw is an Asheville, NC resident currently traveling in Morocco.]
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