RE: Threatened by David Remnickhttp://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2012/03/12/120312taco_talk_remnick
Dear Editor,
Full respect for fair and just laws and universal basic human rights should not be a threatening concept.
Israel is a word- a storied and emotional name for a nation, a sovereign real nation state with many loyal citizens and the institutions and the volunteer efforts necessary for a modern nation state to thrive in a modern interconnected global world: To thrive in order to provide jobs, security and respect for those it acknowledges as full citizens and friends. Religion should be a private matter- not a publicly funded preference.
When Israel stops proffering special perks and subsidies to Jewish individuals and families, Israel will continue to be Israel and its own myths and stories and domestic policies will evolve to become more inclusive and compassionate towards non-Jews and secular activists for real freedom, justice and equality.
In order to once and for all end the Israel/Palestine conflict (and the very real plight of the Palestinians) Palestine needs that window of opportunity too. Palestine needs to be a real nation state with secure borders and the sovereign ability to provide jobs and security for those it acknowledges as full citizens and friends... Two states, two separate identities evolving side by side and entwined with one future of peace, progress and respect for all people, regardless of supposed race or religion.
Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab
NOTES
"While the politicians on all sides escalate rhetoric and fail to restrain belligerent actions in order to score political points, I urge voices of reason to rise to forestall the spread of wild fire across the region." Ziad J. Asali urges voices of reason to rise to forestall the spread of wild fire across the region "Religious conservatism invariably focuses on social and sexual control. Women are the most immediate targets and primary focus of the authoritarianism of the religious right, wherever they may be. As Islamists seem to be finally getting their chance at gaining a share of power in the Arab world, the greatest and most immediate danger they pose is to women’s rights. That is why it is up to everyone else, including both secularists and religious moderates, to insist on the introduction of inviolable constitutional principles protecting the rights of individuals, women and minorities." Hussein Ibish: Islamism and misogyny
The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
Growing Gardens for Palestine
a personal blog
A Spider Silk Cape... a series of three poems by Anne Selden Annab in Growing Gardens for Palestine
"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home - so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm, or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world."Eleanor Roosevelt
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