"Death in Gaza" a Documentary by the late James Miller by Connorflynn

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"Death in Gaza" a Documentary by the late James Miller

POSTED BY: CONNORFLYNN
UPDATED: Sunday, October 24, 2004 06:27
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Sunday, October 24, 2004 6:10 AM

I had an opportunity to see this documentary and recommend it to anyone willing to see it. The basic premise is about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and how it affects the children involved. Prior to seeing this film I had been a pro-Israeli advocate. After seeing it I'm still a neo-con when it comes to anti-terrorism, but there are some things to which my eyes were opened.

I spend alot of time reading and researching different topics. Message boards tend to be a good place to pick up new pieces of information and insight. Strangely enough I haven't seen this documentary mentioned. So I'll take it upon myself to mention it. It has been shown on HBO many times recently and I feel it is worthy time spent.

here is a link:
http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/death_in_gaza/synopsis.html

A few things I have determined after viewing this and had some time to think about:

We hear primarily on the news and in the media as well as on the internet , the horrors that extremists create in Israel. There is some merit to that, but it is also very one-sided. Extremism in any form, in my opinion, feeds upon those who have no other direction to turn. I tried to put myself in the Palestinian shoes as I watched this film. It scared me really. The questions that I found myself asking were:

1. If all I feel is despair due to oppression, with no hope for a diplomatic outcome because my voice isn't being heard, what alternative do I have? Do I lay down and wait for death to take me or do I fight against the oppression? Extremists offer the second option.

2. If my land was being taken from me slowly and painfully, while my rights were being abridged-- Would I come to hate those that abridge my rights and take my land? Again, an enlightening factor. I would answer yes.

Here is where I have been misinformed. It is a known fact that the Israeli's were given or won through an act of war, land that once belonged to the Palestinians. To a degree, I can live with that fact, because throughout time (The term "manifest destiny" comes to mind)that is the way things were done. However today in the modern age, that is not how things should be done. Here is where I was uninformed.., The Israelis are EXPANDING their borders and taking more of the Palestinian land (Through the settlement process), while militarily oppressing the Palestinians and keeping them from disputing that fact. In the past I was unaware that THIS expansion is the main issue or that it is so blatantly occurring.

After coming to that realization, I expanded upon it even more. The Palestinians CANNOT fight a military war against Israel. They are outgunned and out-trained. The palestinians have no choice but to fight a guerrilla war. They have no choice except attacking soft targets..aka civilians, because they can't fight the military. Here is where I can see extremism gaining a foothold. In order to fight a guerilla war, one must make its soldiers believe that the enemy isn't human. The Palestinian leadership does that from a very young age, usually starting at an age when a child can speak. Is this right? No. Is this the only available option at this point? Sadly, yes. They live in a world of fear and despair. In my mind, I can now understand how someone could commit suicide for suchca cause. They can die taking out a few enemies or wait to be killed by those same enemies. Again, it's not the right course of action, but I can now understand the thinking behind it.

I now believe all they want is their land back and their rights as human beings back. If the Israelis give them back what is theirs and bring things back to the diplomatic table, there is a a chance to take the wind out of the extremists sails. If the Israelis continue on the path of oppression, peace will never come to that little place in the Middle East.

So I am rescinding my support of the Israeli cause, I however still feel sympathy for their people. It's unfortunate , but more evident to me every day, that the Leaders of a country ultimately decide what happens, the citizens(civilians) normally sit back and act like cattle, oblivious to the realities of what goes on around them.

As the election grows nearer in the US, I am becoming more disheartened. I truly feel like one of those cattle, regardless of how I vote..ultimately it won't make a difference. My voice won't be heard. I've written to my congressmen lately and all I get in response is a big F*** U, with a nice little thank you note that says I'm wrong and they're right. (I wrote about the Patriot act and teh proposed Defense of Marriage act)

Sorry for the brief rant. If you have the time, check out the documentary. It is a true documentary and not a propaganda piece, like some well known American garbage. Sadly, the director, James Miller was killed by an Israeli worker (bedouin arab) during the filming.

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Sunday, October 24, 2004 6:27 AM

CONNORFLYNN

I felt it was necessary to clarify something. I am not anti-judaism. I don't want this thread to turn into a hate filled thread against judaism or one that is anti-Islam.

In the past I myself have been prone to release knee-jerk emotion filled retorts. I hate the fact that terrorism and Islamafascism as a whole has hijacked some very real world issues.

I have a few muslim friends and a few jewish friends and many times have found it difficult to discuss these kinds of topics. Because of this I strive to become more informed by unbiased information. I just felt that it was necessary, since I have posted a few times on these boards some responses that may have not been completely informed.

I hope that we can keep any responses to the process of expanding information and viable exchange.

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