Speaker urges wider debate on Mideast

[Resistance]

HEATHER WOODWARD | THE OLYMPIAN

Americans need to debate ongoing U.S. support for Israel in the context of that nation's continued violence against Palestinians, Alexander Cockburn said Sunday at Capitol Theater.

And it's time to stop labeling those who oppose Israeli policies or question U.S. support of the nation as anti-Semitic, said Cockburn, a writer for "The Nation" and an editor of "Counterpunch" magazine -- both alternative publications.

Cockburn spoke about topics ranging from violence in the Middle East to Ralph Nader's newly announced plans to enter the 2004 presidential race.

He also touched on Rachel Corrie, an Olympia peace activist who was killed March 16 in Gaza Strip by an Israeli military bulldozer.

[Jim Sagle]

1. Cockburn is aptly named.

[Resistance]

2. LMAO!

What a damn Lib-rul fool he is, huh? :crazy:

[_Jumper_]

5. Have you forgotten?

[_Jumper_]

3. DOA

Let's face it. Our Israel policy is off the table. There is a reason why every major American politician is staunchly pro-Israel. The only think that may change this is if terrorist attacks become frequent.

[Resistance]

4. We have only one Israel policy

Pay them to be an off-shore military base, meanwhile let them murder and steal as they please.

That's the policy.

[_Jumper_]

6. I am pro-Israel

However, we need to realize that blank-check support for it was the #1 reason 9/11 happened. We need to be a bit more even-handed and settle that conflict so we can live in peace.

[Resistance]

7. even-handed?????

Awwww no - Democrats ain't havin' none o' that! No sir, not now, not ever, no way, no can do. Israel can kill and steal as they please and that's just the way it's gonna be ma friend

[Jim Sagle]

8. If the Pal terrorists back off, so will the Israelis.

[_Jumper_]

9. What about our one-sided policy and lack of debate on the issue?

Do you think it is okay to have no discussion of a foreign government's actions and complete support for it? Is that healthy for a sovereign nation?

[Jim Sagle]

10. Plenty of discussin' 'n' cussin' goin' on here.

[_Jumper_]

11. What about among the government?

n/t