The one thing I'll ask him about his response is the incongruity. If this is a war with actual sides and the loss of life is unacceptable, why is it that what Israel does falls within its "right to defend its citizens" while it "minimizes" civilian casualties while Hamas simply is "targeting civilians"? Seems like what Israel did represents a whole lot of failure to "minimize." Will Mike demand from Israel an accounting for this?
Here's the letter:
Dear Mike,
I just want to register my strong disagreement with your January 9 vote to support "H. Res. 34 to recognize Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, to reaffirm the United States' strong support for Israel, and to support the Israeli-Palestinian peace process."
The text of the resolution contains many one-sidedly pro-Israel statements. Your approach should be much more even-handed.
What I wish you would do is re-evaluate your support for arming Israel in light of the Crimes Against Humanity it committed in Gaza. Just today on Democracy Now!, for example, we heard a direct account from a Palestinian US College Grad who lost "two Brothers in Israeli shooting" while the "father watched son bleed to death after Israeli troops blocked ambulances."
This story is so horrific in it's cruelty that I can hardly contain my sorrow and anger while writing about it. You should be able to recognize the war crime in denial of medical care for non-combatants.
That is just one example. The list of war crimes committed by Israel during its "self-defense" is voluminous: use of U.S.-made weapons to level civilian neighborhoods, dropping of phosphorus bombs into hospitals and U.N. aid depots, and on and on. The numbers of dead are staggering.
Will you please re-evaluate your support for limitless provision of Israel with weapons and unflinching approval of its horrific attack in light of these crimes? The process of stopping diplomatically the threats faced by Israelis and Palestinians alike can begin with a mere word of disapproval from the United States.
Thank you.
Eric
Mike's reply:
January 23, 2009
Dear Eric:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the current situation in Gaza and Israel. I appreciate hearing from you.
Recent events in and around the Gaza Strip have resulted in an unacceptable loss of human life. Damage has been caused throughout the region, bringing disruption and terror to the lives of civilians on both sides of the border. Israel has a right to defend its citizens, but must do so in a way that minimizes civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure delivering humanitarian goods. Hamas must stop targeting civilians, and both sides need to come to the bargaining table.
We need to move forward with achieving a two-state solution to the long-standing conflict. The goal is to ensure the welfare, security and survival of a fully recognized State of Israel, and establish a democratic Palestinian state living side-by-side in cooperation and peace. Lasting security can only be established through the promotion of peace in the region and pursuit of a negotiated settlement between Israelis and Palestinians.
Immediate diplomatic actions in the Middle East must focus on minimizing violence, providing humanitarian aid, and preserving lives. Longer-term objectives must include solutions and strategies that will stabilize Gaza, and promote a lasting peace in Israel and Palestine. Please know that I will keep your thoughtful comments in mind as this situation progresses and as relevant legislation comes before the House of Representatives.
Thank you again for sharing your views with me. In addition, I also provide occasional email updates on a range of issues affecting people in Maine. If you would like to receive this information, please visit my website at http://michaud.house.gov/email_newsletter.asp and sign up for my email newsletter. I appreciate the opportunity to represent you.
With warmest regards,
Michael H. Michaud
Member of Congress
Posted by The Owl at 10:18. Filed under: Palestine/Israel
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