The Boarding of the Mavi Marmara

For some time now I have tried to hear as much about Israel's boarding of this ship attempting to run its blockade of Garza and get the whole story behind it. It's taken awhile because depending on which news you tune to will determine what degree of slant you will receive. So far, I have only been able to come to one conclusion. Israel does have a right and an obligation to protect its people.

To those who say that this blockade is harming women and children in Garza, I would have to ask this, is this not the same effect of economic sanctions? Or does it depend on whom we are sanctioning or to what degree? For be it for me to ever agree with individuals who uses words like "socialist, Marxist, liberal, Islamist, and Israel-bashing friends" but when they have a point, they have a point. Call it surprising, call it misinformed, call it getting up on the wrong side of the bed or call it a miracle but if their points are correct, the road for Israel is clear. The most important point made is "Israel maintains a maritime blockade to ensure that weapons are not brought in by Hamas to use in attacks against Israel because in the past, terrorist sympathizers have used aid deliveries to smuggle items like potassium nitrate in sugar sacks and used it to make bombs." (Unknown Author, Freedom Flotilla Facts at your Fingertips,Retrieved fromwww.wordpress.com). Knowing this how smart would it be for Israel to keep doing the same thing the same way expecting a different result.

This leads me to the other points made, points like "Israel transfers about 15,000 tons of supplies and humanitarian aid every week to the people of Gaza." "Israel offered the ship to dock in Ashdod port and they would transfer the aid to Gaza but they refused." "Five boats were boarded, the protestors complied and they were safely let to shore." "One boat that did not comply was the Mavi Marmara where the violence took place." (Unknown Author, Freedom Flotilla Facts at your Fingertips,Retrievedfromwww.wordpress.com) Much of the story has been about the boarding of this ship but very little about any of the other four. Little about the other four peacefully protesting the blockade and making their voices carry through non-violent means. Tell me about any harm coming to those that surrendered peacefully and you might have a case for Israel over stepping their bounds but given the words of " We fully intend to go to Gaza regardless of any intimidation or threats of violence against us, they are going to have to forcefully stop us," said one of the flotilla's organizers. (Unknown Author, Freedom Flotilla Facts at your Fingertips, Retrieved fromwww.wordpress.com). What would be your suggestion?

How about this? "Elmwood Park, N.J. - The young men's intentions were sinister, investigators say: to head to Somalia to seek terror training from al-Qaida-affiliated jihadists and unleash attacks against fellow Americans." "Mohamed Mahmood Alessa, 20, and Carlos Eduardo Almonte, 24, who were arrested Saturday, are accused of trying to join al-Shabab, which was designated by the U.S. as a terrorist group in 2008." "They face charges of conspiring to kill, maim and kidnap persons outside the United States by joining al-Shabab." (Shipkowski, Bruce and Apuzzo, Matt, Associated Press Writers,NJ men accused in Somali terror plot due in court, Retrieved from www.associatedpress.com) or what about "Philadelphia - The Philadelphia-area woman who authorities say dubbed herself "Jihad Jane" online pleaded not guilty on Thursday in federal court to a four-count indictment charging her in an overseas terrorist plot." "Colleen LaRose, 46, of Pennsburg, appeared in court wearing a green jumpsuit and corn rows in her blond hair. A May 3 trial date was set." "She was accused of conspiring with jihadist fighters and pledging to commit murder in the name of a Muslim holy war. Authorities say she wanted to kill a Swedish artist who had offended Muslims. (Unknown Author, 3/18/2010, Jane pleadsnot guilty to terrorism plot,Pretoria News, Retrieved from www.pretorianews.co.za). These events took place based on the perceived intentions of these Americans and it is done in the name of protecting American citizens, is Israel not permitted to do any less? Before we attempt to help our brother remove the splinter from his eye, what you say we first get the beam out of ours?