"... Nor do they have a moral conscience, since they do not judge good and evil, grasp the ultimate meaning of situations, or bear responsibility for consequences. They may imitate or even simulate, but they do not understand what they produce, for they lack the affective, relational, and spiritual perspective through which human beings grow in wisdom." Pope Leo XIV on AI Artificial Intelligence

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center

@TheKingCenter

“Artificial intelligences do not undergo experiences, do not possess a body, do not feel joy or pain, do not mature through relationships, and do not know from within what love, work, friendship or responsibility mean. Nor do they have a moral conscience, since they do not judge good and evil, grasp the ultimate meaning of situations, or bear responsibility for consequences. They may imitate or even simulate, but they do not understand what they produce, for they lack the affective, relational, and spiritual perspective through which human beings grow in wisdom.” 

https://x.com/TheKingCenter/status/2060540471319924994 

   [AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES (or quotes or watch videos) IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine]  

 [Disarm AI]   POPE LEO XIV ON SAFEGUARDING THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE TIME OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The Peace Walk “a powerful reminder that peace is practiced step by step. In a divided time, this is what it looks like to stand up for the best of who we are. Love demands endurance. Peace is strength.” MLKIII

Monks bring balm for America’s wounds as Washington cheers peace odyssey

Some monks have walked barefoot or in socks during parts of the journey. Photograph: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA

Buddhist monks had walked 2,300 miles from Texas, braving snow and often barefoot – their arrival in the capital was greeted by thousands

David Smith in Washington

Wed 11 Feb 2026 20.37 EST

Bhante Saranapala gazed down at more than a hundred Buddhist monks wearing burnt-orange, saffron and maroon robes, most sporting woolly hats, a few clutching flowers.

“These monks are awesome!” roared Saranapala, who is known as the “Urban Buddhist Monk”, prompting a cheer from the big crowd. “Their determination should be greatly appreciated. Walking from Texas to Washington DC, 2,300 miles; it requires strong determination!”

The Lincoln Memorial has witnessed much over the past century – Black opera singer Marian Anderson, Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech, Richard Nixon’s late-night chat with the anti-war demonstrators – but rarely a scene as colourful as on Wednesday.

For 19 monks and Aloka, a rescue dog from India, it was an important stop on a 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace”, a self-described spiritual journey across nine states that had been cheered on by crowds of thousands.

The odyssey had begun in Texas 108 days ago, and saw them brave frigid temperatures and a paralysing winter storm, sometimes with bare feet, to raise “awareness of peace, loving-kindness, and compassion across America and the world”.

About 100 monks and nuns joined them in America’s political capital determined to stay away from politics, although among the thousands who gathered at the Lincoln Memorial was someone waving a Palestinian flag and another who held a big sign that said: “Peaceful resistance.”... READ MORE https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/11/buddhist-monks-peace-walk-washington-dc

 [AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES (or quotes) IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine, or at least fair and just laws and policies]     

"Differences of race, nationality or religion should not be used to deny any human being citizenship rights or privileges" Rosa Parks

“Differences of race, nationality or religion should not be used to deny any human being citizenship rights or privileges. Life is to be lived to its fullest so that death is just another chapter. Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others.”
— Life magazine, 1988

Affectionately known as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," Parks is an American icon — and for good reason.

On December 1, 1955, the 42-year-old was headed home from her job as a seamstress at Montgomery Fair department store in her hometown of Montgomery, Alabama when she made history. After she boarded the bus and took a seat, she and the three others in her row were told by the driver to stand up and move to the back, making more seats for white passengers as the bus filled.

Famously, Parks refused to vacate the seat. Her courageous act of defiance resulted in her being arrested and later found guilty of disorderly conduct. In addition to the arrest, she lost her job as a seamstress and her husband also lost his job after being forbidden from talking about the legal case. Although Parks' brave actions landed her behind bars, her impact sparked change and catapulted her into history books. Taking a stand against the segregation laws, Parks inspired the African American community to boycott buses for 381 days, which became known as the Montgomery Bus Boycott — and was led by newcomer Martin Luther King, Jr.

For the remainder of her life, she continued to fight against racial prejudice and discrimination. Although Parks passed away in 2005, her legacy lives on. Just like her unprecedented actions and undeniable courage influenced society, let these inspirational Rosa Parks quotes serve as a reminder to always fight for what’s right... READ MORE https://www.womansday.com/life/a42528046/rosa-parks-quotes/

 [AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES (or quotes or watch videos) IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine]

Segregation is the act or process of separating individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, class, or ethnicity, often resulting in unequal treatment and access to resources. It can occur through enforced laws or voluntary actions, leading to distinct living, educational, and social conditions for different groups.

State Sponsored Segregation is OPPRESSION and INJUSTICE

Segregation In The  1950s America 

The Ku Klux Klan burning a cross in Tennessee, 1948.  The Ku Klux Klan employed terror in pursuit of their white supremacist agenda

1963 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I HAVE A DREAM

"Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But 100 years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself in exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition. In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check. 

When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men — yes, Black men as well as white men — would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked insufficient funds.

But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt..."

meanwhile

Israeli imposed Segregation in what had been historic Palestine 1948-2025 so far

Nakba means "Catastrophe" in Arabic. It refers to the destruction of Palestinian society in 1948 when approximately 750,000 Palestinians fled or were forced into exile by Israeli troops. Because the Palestinians were not Jewish, their presence and predominant ownership of the land were considered obstacles to the creation of a Jewish state. Their exodus, or Nakba, was already nearly half-complete by May 1948, when Israel declared its independence and the Arab states entered the fray.

In 1948 United Nations Mediator Count Folke Bernadotte pointed out that "IT WOULD BE AN OFFENCE AGAINST THE PRINCIPLES OF JUSTICE IF THOSE INNOCENT VICTIMS [Palestinian men, women, & children] COULD NOT RETURN TO THEIR HOMES WHILE [Zionist] IMMIGRANTS FLOWED INTO PALESTINE TO TAKE THEIR PLACE"

2 years later

UNWRA the United Nations agency to provide education, healthcare, relief and social services to officially displaced Palestinian refugees began operations 1 May 1950.

75 year later & counting Israeli racism, injustice, supremacism, and violence is only becoming more entrenched and dangerous.

2025 ‘Branded’: Satellite images show Star of David carved into Gaza

The symbol, apparently created by Israeli tanks, can be seen from space in the Palestinian enclave.

2025 in Gaza: Palestinians re-entering their abandoned neighborhoods have found the bodies of loved ones crushed beneath the ruins of their homes.

To quote a well known American hero...

Martin Luther King Jr statue in Washington Dc

To quote a well known American hero:  

"Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. 

Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. 

Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children."  

I Have A Dream speech by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963

  https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/i-have-a-dream-speech#i-have-a-dream-speech-text 

[AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES or quotes IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine] 

...walking the earth

My letter to the NYTimes RE "John Kerry and Israel: Too Little and Too Late" by Rashid Khalidi

RE "John Kerry and Israel: Too Little and Too Late" by Rashid Khalidi

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/29/opinion/john-kerry-and-israel-too-little-and-too-late.html?ref=opinion

Dear Editor,

Israel's ongoing war on the native non-Jewish population of the Holy Land is wrong and cruel. How different things would be today if Israel had respected UN Resolution 194 in the 1940s regarding every refugee's inalienable right to return to live in peace.... Rather than being surrounded by impoverished refugee camps and hostile neighbors Israel could have shaped itself into a true democracy with full and equal rights for all, becoming a beacon of hope and a wellspring of justice and good business practices empowering peace with prosperity for all regardless of supposed race or religion.  


There is still hope. We can not turn back time but we can move forward with good intentions and Golden Rule thinking shaping our response to the Israel/Palestine conflict.  In light of that, THANK YOU for publishing Rashid Khalidi's forthright and revealing column "John Kerry and Israel: Too little too late" regarding Kerry and Obama as well as Clinton's failure to firmly and clearly condemn Israel's ongoing and flagrant violations of international law and Israel's ongoing and flagrant violations of universal basic human rights vis-à-vis Palestinian men, women and children.

Compassion, basic logic, honesty and good arguments helped officially end slavery in the the United States, laying the ground work for great heroes like Martin Luther King Jr to rise up and lead us all towards a better understanding of our world and the best way forward for everyone's sake. Compassion, basic logic, honesty and good arguments will help end the Israel/Palestine conflict with all its many negative ramifications.


Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab


NOTES
Diana Buttu in the Boston Globe: Kerry describes a reality that Palestinians are living


CNN video Noura Erakat regarding Israel as "The Jewish State"


Hussein Ibish Kerry’s words and the UN vote don’t help Palestinians ..."Israel builds and expands settlements no matter what, but this resolution will undoubtedly lead to even more aggressive building than usual. And Israel may take other retaliatory measures, all of them aimed at Palestinians, who alone are vulnerable to Israeli retaliation."


The Growth of Israeli settlements, explained in 5 charts

 
CNN VIDEO: Palestinian leader Hanan Ashrawi reacts to the UNSC vote calling on Israel to stop building settlements.  https://www.facebook.com/umkahlil?fref=ts 

Growing Gardens for Palestine... #Christmas #Palestine #PalmTrees #Mary... Informative, inspiring and entertaining facebook posts today from my friend Mike

 
Putting a Face on the Facts... An Easy to Understand Essay by Nancy Harb Almendras outlining a Global Controversy: The conflict between the state of Israel and the Palestinians.

Ibrahim's Estate

Jimmy Carter: America Must Recognize Palestine

Newsweek: Award-winning Palestinian teacher on how to help traumatized kids

Baltimore's Susan Muaddi Darraj wins American Book Award for 'A Curious Land'

"We're a really diverse community, actually," Darraj says. "A lot of people think that all Palestinians are Muslims. But, the characters I write about are Palestinian Christians."  American Book Award winner Susan Muaddi Darraj among highlights of Baltimore Book Festival

Freda Hughes' art, created in 2008: Remember Palestine this Christmas

A mural by Norwegian artist, Per Krohg, depicts a phoenix rising from ashes, symbolizing the resurgence of peace, equality and freedom.

" This issue marks the eighteenth year of This Week in Palestine, and we are pleased to present you with another issue filled with articles that attest to Palestine’s cultural wealth. A high level of religious tolerance and the integration of various faiths are defining facets of Palestinian culture, historically and today. Such practice sets Palestine apart in a region where too many people have been immensely traumatized by acts of violence frequently caused by lack of tolerance, greed, and thirst for power and dominance. It is time to remember, in the Holy Land and elsewhere, that the central tenets and pillars of our religions are good will and kind deeds towards our fellow visitors on this planet." Tina Basem, This Week in Palestine editor's message Issue #224, December 2016

The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

 

Martin Luther King Jr./Quotes

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?

The time is always right to do what is right.

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.

My letter to the NYTimes RE An Anti-Semitism of the Left by Roger Cohen

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (10 December 1948) sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

RE: An Anti-Semitism of the Left
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/08/opinion/an-anti-semitism-of-the-left.html?ref=international&_r=0

Dear Editor,

It is totally tragic that your columnist, Roger Cohen, is so quick to make excuses for and help perpetuate modern Israel's deluded obsession with being "Jewish", a misguided and dangerously myopic obsession that has motivated Israel to cruelly oppress, impoverish, displace and push into forced exile countless native non-Jewish men, women and children. It is also totally tragic that some very misguided and dangerously myopic people have decided to support Hamas and Hezbollah.

Yes there is most definitely "the fundamental link between murderous European anti-Semitism and the decision of surviving Jews to embrace Zionism in the conviction that only a Jewish homeland could keep them safe" as Cohen says... But the world was very different in the 1930s in many many ways. Most people then simply did not understand the perils of racism, and the scientific inaccuracies that shaped racist thought. 

Take into account the fact that in 1948, when Israel declared itself "The Jewish State", America had yet to hear Martin Luther King's inspiring 1963 speech "I have a dream", which points out and objects to "the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination."

In today's more enlightened world, it is international law and The Universal Declaration of Human Rights that helps keep Jewish men, women and children safe.  The Universal Declaration of Human Rights should also help keep Palestinians safe, but Israel refuses to be a Golden Rule thinker when it comes to the native non-Jewish men, women and children of the Holy Land.

The crucial importance of ending bigotry and injustice is a universal need, a universal need that is not and never should be limited to one particle race, religion, or gender.

Rather than being mired in blame games and paranoia about "The Left" or Jews, or Arabs and Palestinians, or blacks or whites or what ever let us keep in mind what President John F. Kennedy wisely pointed out in 1958: "Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future."

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

Notes
The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

My letter to the NYTimes RE An Islamic Reformer, Lashed by Nicholas Kristof

RE An Islamic Reformer, Lashed by Nicholas Kristof
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/15/opinion/nicholas-kristof-an-islamic-reformer-lashed.html?ref=opinion&_r=0

Dear Editor,

It is horrifically tragic that the Saudi blogger, Raif Badawi, is being punitively punished - 10 years in prison, and 1,000 lashes for “insulting Islam.” FYI Badawi was also fined 1 million Saudi riyals (about $315,000 Canadian) and banned from traveling outside Saudi Arabia for 10 years after his release... all for a blog. 

Saudi Arabia is only one of many governments in today's world that legitimize and empower religious fundamentalism and intolerance rather than legitimizing and empowering the rule of fair and just laws- and governments aren't the only problem: If Obama had been in Paris with all the other world leaders in the Anti-Terrorism March, cynics worldwide with many different motives would have found reasons to condemn him for that. 

Our free speech here in the West gives a podium as well as ammunition to petty tyrants and hate mongers here and there, with petty tyrants and hate mongers spinning stories and campaigns aimed at generating hostilities rather than inspiring compassion and empathy for "others", whether that "other" is a leader, or a follower, an individual or a government or a religion.

Focusing in on ending the Israel-Palestine conflict with a fair and just, carefully negotiated fully secular two state solution ASAP would go a long way towards curbing the rise of religious extremism, sectarian strife, tyranny... and terrorism... worldwide. Yes there is a chance that Palestine will become a failed state run by apologists for Hamas and Islamic Jihad (thereby handing Israel an excuse to wage all out war, creating more hostility and despair with an even bigger refugee crisis- or worse the slaughter of countless men, women and children)...  BUT there is also a chance, a very good chance that Palestinians and their supporters worldwide will elect to empower dignity, decency, real freedom and a better future with the time tested idea that religion should be a personal private matter, not a requirement for citizenship rights or a tax payer funded mandate. 

The modern reality of Israel's Netanyahu and Palestine's Abbas walking with other world leaders in the recent anti-terrorism march “of defiance and sorrow” in Paris and the calm wise words of positive role models and heroes such as Lassana Bathily who points out that "We are brothers. It's not a question of Jews, of Christians or of Muslims. We're all in the same boat, we have to help each other to get out of this crisis..."  are obvious proof that there is hope.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES
To honor a tragic history, we must work for peace : "The only way to honor our tragic histories is to create a future for our children free of man-made tragedy. This means making peace fully, completely and without reservation, between Israel and Palestine." Ziad Asali

Why Islam Does (Not) Ban Images of the Prophet

Tout Est Pardonné: Charlie Hebdo's latest cover isn't objectionable; it's brave and touching

Supporters fear Saudi blogger will not survive weekly public flogging

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas were among the leaders attending

Jordan Times: AMMAN/PARIS — Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania on Sunday participated in a march “of defiance and sorrow” in Paris to pay tribute to victims of terrorism in France.

Worldwide marches in solidarity with France... "Live Together Free, Equal, and United"

Up to a million flood streets of Paris to defy Islamist terror

"We are brothers. It's not a question of Jews, of Christians or of Muslims. We're all in the same boat, we have to help each other to get out of this crisis." Lassana Bathily

Lassana Bathily, Muslim Employee At Kosher Market, Saved Several People During Paris Hostage Situation

#JeSuixAhmed

#JeSuisCharlie

Hamas confirmed on Sunday that it has banned a visit by Palestinian orphans from the Gaza Strip to Israel because it was in the context of “normalization” with Israelis.

During World War II, the Allies adopted the Four Freedoms—freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from fear, and freedom from want—as their basic war aims.... The United Nations Charter "reaffirmed faith in fundamental human rights, and dignity and worth of the human person" and committed all member states to promote "universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion".

A Christmas poem... in Growing Gardens for Palestine: Star Street Bethlehem Palestine 2014

14 beautiful synagogues that were restored by Muslims

14 beautiful synagogues that were restored by Muslims - See more at: http://www.judaism-islam.com/14-beautiful-synagogues-that-were-restored-by-muslims/#sthash.GLFqhubx.r35jG59P.dpuf

US general rebrands Isis 'Daesh' after requests from regional partners

A Palestinian’s journey from stone-throwing to conflict resolution

“The United States casts its lot with the problem solvers, the healers, and the builders,”  US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman in a September speech, quoted by CSM in their recent editorial

Kerry heads to talks on Palestinian statehood bid: "There are a lot of different folks pushing in different directions out there, and the question is can we all pull in the same direction," Kerry said Friday, when asked about his meeting with Netanyahu."

Jordan's King: World must stand up to radicals

What Will Israel Become?

STAY CONNECTED... Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every human being, the United States seeks to: Promote freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries

"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin?

Palestinian Refugees (1948-NOW) refused their right to return... and their right to live in peace free from religious bigotry and injustice.

The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

... Ibrahim's Estate... The Promised Land: In Celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights & Peace Day

Tala Haikal: Empathy Is Essential to Humanity

Hussein Ibish: Non-violent resistance is Palestine’s most powerful weapon

ATFP Calls for De-Escalation between Israel and the Palestinians

 “Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.” Khalil Gibran (1883-1931), born in Lebanon, immigrated to the United States in 1895 where he grew up to become a beloved poet and respected writer.

"There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies" Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 – 1968) American minister, humanitarian and social activist- a cherished leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, whose inspiring words continue to influence and empower diplomatic efforts to bring more justice, more security, more peace and more jobs to more people, every one and every where.

Dean Obeidallah in The Daily Beast: Searching for a Palestinian Dr. King

Dean Obeidallah:
"I really love the photo that The Daily Beast made for my article about the Palestinian Dr. Martin Luther King. Im a big fan of Dr. King's work. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/08/15/searching-for-a-palestinian-dr-king.html "

World News

08.15.14

"What makes nonviolence as a strategy even more challenging for Palestinians is that, as Ashrawi noted, the Israeli administrations over the years seemingly reward violence over peaceful methods. “They won’t cooperate with ‘Mr. Nice Guy,’” she told me, “but will sit up and listen when there is a threat of violence.” She added that it almost seems Israeli administrations prefer Palestinians to be violent because it allows them to define us all as terrorists."

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"According to your own ability and personality, do not be afraid to experiment with new and creative techniques for achieving reconciliation and social change"

Slate.com

This is an absolutely incredible historical document: http://slate.me/KnNnux

Dear President Obama... Let Freedom Ring

President Obama with Yolanda Renee King, the only grandchild of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dear President Obama,

It is not a mere fifty years of heroes- it is America's long history of heroes and more than 237 years reaching back to before Lincoln to include and celebrate our founding fathers who dreamed of a United States of America with freedom and justice and who carefully wrote and made real not only the Declaration of Independence but also the carefully crafted Constitution and the Bill of Rights. 

Despite the myopic title "50 Years of American Heroes " currently on the White House webpage the content of your "Let Freedom Ring" speech yesterday really was wonderful and inspiring. It went quite well with the Gospel music and the other impassioned sermons commemorating 1963's historic march for jobs & justice. 

Life was bleak and totally unfair for blacks back then, but for the most part America's black community responded to their plight with dignity and beauty- and such inspiring songs.  Diplomacy won the day as empathy and compassion gently pried open hearts and minds and helped convince America to elect to become a more real democracy.

This year the speeches and the songs and remembrances commemorating the 1963 march and Martin Luther King Jr clearly praised and advocated non-violence.

Non-violence and diplomacy certainly have helped let freedom ring for blacks in our country... and thank heavens for that as our world and our country and every community are all so much better off as more and more citizen diplomats are empowered with the mantle of full and equal citizenship.

We live in a modern, interconnected global world. We have the ability to witness real time events far away- and we also have the ability to recall history as seen from many diverse perspectives.  Lessons of the past should help shape future decisions.

I believe in the American dream of freedom and justice, with the rule of fair and just laws and continued investments in our free public schools, our free public libraries, our free public parks and our free public museums and community concerts enriching private personal efforts to enable every child to have a chance to dream and develop their own individual gifts and talents... and diplomatic skills.

I believe that non-violence should guide our choices on a local level, in our domestic lives and with our parenting... and I believe that non-violence should also be the central philosophy for America's foreign policy. 

No one can know for sure what will be, but we can look back and see that bombing multiple countries in the Middle East has not help let freedom ring there. Violence has inspired extremists and bigots to become more extreme and cruel. Military intervention in Syria could easily make a bad situation much worse.

If you are looking for advice and information on the Middle East, please be very very wary about anything Israel offers, for a Jews-preferred Israel has been using violence as well as psychological warfare for decades in order to destroy the native non-Jewish people of historic Palestine.  The Israeli approach is based on institutionalized bigotry and bully tactics.  We need to veer away from that- hopefully Israel can too.

America should stay true to our cherished ideals and to the compassionate wisdom expressed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

If you want to help bring justice, peace and progress to the people of Syria, as well as to the millions of refugees all through out the Middle East, and to all others in that very troubled region- the best bet is to focus in on actually ending the Israel-Palestine conflict once and for all- for everyone's sake. 

The Arab Peace Initiative is a good place to start. 

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES

• Religious Laws and Public Places
• Globalizing Martin Luther King, Jr.
• "The way forward must be based on acknowledging the rich religious diversity that is the heritage of the societies of the Arab East. Simplistic formulas that ignore this reality aren't the answer" Zogby
• Nigel Kennedy with the Palestine Strings from the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music as well as members of his Orchestra of Life, play Spring from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons
  
• Freedom for Palestine - OneWorld
  
  
  Jordan's King Abdullah II explains that extremism has "grown fat" off of the longstanding conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

 *********

The Arab Peace Initiative

1. Requests Israel to reconsider its policies and declare that a just peace is its strategic option as well.

2. Further calls upon Israel to affirm:

I- Full Israeli withdrawal from all the territories occupied since 1967, including the Syrian Golan Heights, to the June 4, 1967 lines as well as the remaining occupied Lebanese territories in the south of Lebanon.

II- Achievement of a just solution to the Palestinian refugee problem to be agreed upon in accordance with U.N. General Assembly Resolution 194.

III- The acceptance of the establishment of a sovereign independent Palestinian state on the Palestinian territories occupied since June 4, 1967 in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

3. Consequently, the Arab countries affirm the following:

I- Consider the Arab-Israeli conflict ended, and enter into a peace agreement with Israel, and provide security for all the states of the region.

II- Establish normal relations with Israel in the context of this comprehensive peace.

Palestinian Refugees(1948-NOW) refused their right to return... and their right to live in peace free from religious bigotry and injustice.

The Office of International Religious Freedom ( http://www.state.gov/j/drl/irf/)   Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every human being, the United States seeks to:

Promote freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries

"Legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." Thomas Jefferson

"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

Live by the Golden Rule
Words to Honor: The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Article 1.

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

The Balfour Declaration of 1917

".... it being clearly understood that nothing
          shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious
          rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine....

"In 1949, the international community accepted Israel's UN membership upon two conditions: That they respect resolutions 181 (two states) and 194 (refugee rights). Neither has been honored. In fact, 65 years later, Israel has not even acknowledged what it did in 1948." Saeb Erekat
 

11 December 1948 UN Resolution 194:"Refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date, and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property which, under principles of international law or in equity, should be made good by the Governments or authorities responsible"

The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you