73 Comments

• shuvonn | Jun 11, 2010, 07:17 PM EDT

  Does that right apply to ONLY Israel? IS Israel the ONLY country that has the right to protect the safety of their citizens? It appears to some that the ONLY rockets that count are the ones INTO Israel, the ones out of Israel do not count, cause they are ONLY Palestinians.... So its okay to keep Gaza at 25% of the aid that was allowed into Gaza, BEFORE the Illegal blockade. It's quite reminiscent to the Warsaw ghetto that was in operation from 1940 to approximately 1944 for jews which Israel now thinks its okay to do to the Palestinians... And YET nothing about the death threats to an Arab Israeli member of the Knesset? Your silence speaks VOLUMES, only the Jewish lives count...we get it.

• Starlet | Jun 11, 2010, 03:01 AM EDT

  Israel faces very real threats from Islamist extremists and Iran. Israel has the right, but above all the duty, to protect the safety of its citizens.

• shuvonn | Jun 07, 2010, 11:12 AM EDT

  And nothing about the death threat on facebook ? NOTHING?? Not a BIG fan of Helen Thomas myself. And NO, I watched her try to use her five minutes to speak in the Knesset and they were NOT very tolerant of her, in fact they heckled her, called her names, and did not allow her the time she was supposed to be given to make a 5 minute speech and now you are okay with that fact that there is death threat against her. I have problems with the manner in which women are second class citizens in muslim countries, I have spoken out about that before, but I would not call them fascist countries. I didn't think you would have a problem with the death threats against her....I am sure you are quite happy about that

• Monsoonman | Jun 07, 2010, 10:05 AM EDT

  Shuvonn: There is none so blind who will not see. Your bit of news concerning the arab member of the Israeli parliament, illuminates what a great and tolerant democracy Israel is. Do you see any Jewish members in the regimes of the fascist muslim countries that you champion? Didn't think so. I am sure Helen Thomas expressed your views perfectly didn't she?

• shuvonn | Jun 07, 2010, 08:53 AM EDT

  There is now an Israeli group on facebook asking for the execution of M.K. Haneen Zoabi, a member of the Israeli parliament, she was heckled through her entire speech, calling her a terrorist etc... Really inappropriate, kids have been taken and questioned over wanting to slap a teacher, and no one is going to do anything about this? I see no reason for violence to be advocated on any level against either side, calm needs to prevail, I hope face book take that page down NOW.

• shuvonn | Jun 06, 2010, 08:25 PM EDT

  PHPEARSE: Did you NOT get the memo, its only the governments that THEY want to have that right, did ya not KNOW that? Apparently the Irish government had no right to ask for safe passage of their citizens on the Rachael Corrie and the Turkish government (ISRAELS ALLY) had no right to either. How silly of us to even THINK they might have those same rights...the rockets INTO Israel count, NOT the ones that go into Gaza...silly you PHPEARSE :-)

• PHPEARSE | Jun 06, 2010, 07:52 PM EDT

  Southernpride: " It's every goverments duty to protect it's citezens against terrorists" Can't diagree with that. Of course you include the Gaza government in this--they have a duty to try and protect their citizens too, don't they?

• killowen | Jun 06, 2010, 07:32 PM EDT

  US of ISRAEL Games "One of the main purposes for increasing tensions on the Korean peninsula was to apply pressure on Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama to reverse course on moving the U.S. Marine Corps base off Okinawa. Hatoyama has admitted that the tensions over the sinking of the Cheonan played a large part in his decision to allow the U.S. Marines to remain on Okinawa. Hatoyama's decision has resulted in a split in the ruling center-left coalition government, a development welcome in Washington, with Mizuho Fukushima, the Social Democratic Party leader threatening to bolt the coalition over the Okinawa reversal.

• shuvonn | Jun 06, 2010, 07:32 PM EDT

  Apparently the government ministers who asked for the safe passage, the ones who support the Rachael Corrie are not decent Irish people in Southernprides opinion. No matter, *men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from a religious conviction* Blaise Paschal

• manofaran | Jun 06, 2010, 06:27 PM EDT

  Where do you get your stats? 95% of decent Irish people?.Does that mean the people you dont agree with dont count, Where is this survey ?.I dont think most Irish people would agree with the treatment of the people in the Gaza strip.

• manofaran | Jun 06, 2010, 06:21 PM EDT

  Southern Pride, You say the Irish Goverment had to use harsh measures during the Irish Civil war against IRA terrorist, by that you must mean interment, execution without trial, torture as well documented in Channel 4 especially in Kerry, and just so you know the Free State was backed by the Brits Arms and Intellegence. Learn your history.

• shuvonn | Jun 06, 2010, 12:38 PM EDT

  No need to remind me, but you are selective in your thinking whom should be kept safe. Labeling the people on the Turkish ship terrorists does not make them so, Turkey is an ally of Israel. There were no weapons found on any of the ships, Israel has only used the footage that suits their agenda AND Israel has admitted that it tampered with the communications they taped between the ships before it illegally jammed the ability to communicate claiming that it was ONLY to make them easier to understand, not really believable AND the Israeli government has apologized for the tasteless video it released on youtube, made by a jp post columnist.

• Southernpride | Jun 06, 2010, 12:23 PM EDT

  Thanks, teadoir. It's every goverments duty to protect it's citezens against terrorists. The Irish goverment had to use harsh measures during the civil war to protect innocent Irish people against IRA terrorists who were killing innocent Irish people and causing mahem in the South of Ireland. I just wanted to remind Shuvonn of what has to be done to combat dangerous terrorists lunatics to keep our citizens safe

• shuvonn | Jun 06, 2010, 11:17 AM EDT

  There is no argument here, just merely differences of opinion. I do not care to be called a left wing nut job, and there are no buddies of mine in Jail anywhere, I am not a law breaker in any capacity. I am not calling you or the people who hold the same illogical arguments names. Not big on handouts either as you infer and allege. Pity the people on the Turkish vessel (Israeli ally) could not sleep at night when they were attacked in International waters.

• teadoir | Jun 06, 2010, 10:05 AM EDT

  Southernpride - forgot to mention, thanks for your service to Ireland....she probably doesn't understand it is because of people like you that she can have freedom of speech and sleep at night without worrying about getting attacked by another country...

• teadoir | Jun 06, 2010, 09:47 AM EDT

  Southernpride - you are correct, it was a lapse in judgment on my part to argue with a left wing nut job. I love Ireland and it's people just not the border line communist that hate America until they want a handout or protection. It seems people forget that most of the funding and arms came from the Irish in America during the rebellion, but hey we are used to getting kicked around by former recipients..just look at the French….she probably is angry because her seven buddies that were out to get the Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks for drawing a cartoon are locked up in Cork and Waterford…

• Watereskhill | Jun 06, 2010, 03:09 AM EDT

  And yet the area is still referred to as The Holy Land. Holy what? There hasn't been an hours peace there among it's Jews, Muslims or Christians to date. Each of them claiming this or that square yard of dust and adding to it to create further seperation division and die-hard 'Devotion' with a flag or symbol from as far back as any of us can recall. I find nothing noble in Mairaid Corrigan Maguire. She lived high and large on the monies she recieved on winning the "Peace Prize". Now taking to a flat bottomed boat to all accounts (see Article) unsuited to such a journey. An antagonist in my opinion. She abandoned Northern Ireland and is unworthy of mention.

• shuvonn | Jun 05, 2010, 06:43 PM EDT

  I am Irish, born and raised. I am sorry but really do not think that the Irish army was of much consequence in any capacity, and being neutral never engaged in any major wars ANYWHERE. SO except for their service abroad or the Irish citizens that served in other armies around the world or in UN aid missions in the middle east, or peace keeping forces around the world not an important army in any capacity, no disrespect. I am very aware of Irish history, so I do not need a history lesson. I KNOW and am related to people who served in various capacities in the Irish and British army, the Irish police force, Irish customs, Special Branch with distinction and other capacities in Ireland so I am WELL aware and quite up to date on things :-) And in 1922 there was a civil war going on and we ARE talking about things that have JUST occurred. My mother was born in Galway, nice county. The Irish government asked for safe passage of the Rachael Corrie and its humanitarian aid to Gaza.

• Southernpride | Jun 05, 2010, 06:25 PM EDT

  Shuvonn, I served in the Irish army and I was stationed in Galway. I was proud to serve my country and defend our citizens. Are you Irish, Shuvonn? Anyway, this is how we Irish have treated IRA terrorists who caused mayhem and killed innocent Irish citizens: 27 September 1922 – The Free State's Provisional Government puts the "Public Safety Bill" before the Dáil, setting up military courts which allow for the execution of IRA terrorists captured bearing arms against the state and aiding and abetting attacks on state forces. It passes by 48 votes to 18. The Irish Labour Party oppose it.

• shuvonn | Jun 05, 2010, 06:15 PM EDT

  Our Broke ass country? No aid involved in re-fueling? Please ENLIGHTEN us as to what the US DID for Ireland in 1916? WE Irish built your railways, we were there at the beginning of union organization in this country, would NOT have happened otherwise, we have provided you with educated, English speaking immigrants who are willing to assimilate DESPITE YOUR NO IRISH NEED APPLY *WELCOME* And we're entitled to ASK to be legalized as do other nationalities. How come no one else will let you refuel? Ireland ALLOWED American companies to set up shop in Ireland TAX FREE for years and as soon as that offer was up they ALL took off and LEFT and NEVER paid taxes all adding to the economic demise of Ireland but the US is no better economically at the moment and don't even try to tell me otherwise. As for the British citizen comment, ANYONE born in Ireland BEFORE 1949 is entitled to that but frankly that would NOT really be MY cup of tea. SOUTHERNPRIDE: YOU do NOT represent Ireland or it's people, so please do not equate sympathy for Gaza with arab terrorists, its a little too Fox news for me.

• Southernpride | Jun 05, 2010, 05:36 PM EDT

  Teadoir, are you honestly judging all Irish people on a few left-wing, marxist loons who support all terrorists. As a proud Irish man, born and bred in Ireland 95% of decent Irish people support Israel's right to defend it's citizens against Arab terrorists.

• killowen | Jun 05, 2010, 05:27 PM EDT

  Friday, June 04, 2010 President Obama puts rage aside to focus on oil spill fix, he tells Larry King Obama has not yet dismissed the idea of resuming offshore oil drilling "if it can be done safely." Gulf oil slick reaches Florida beaches, putting summer tourist season in doubt Instead of bikini-clad sunbathers, locals in Pensacola gathered at the beach to bid farewell to their way of life. Sarah Palin aide Fred Malek helped former President Richard Nixon dump Jews, tapes reveal "The government is full of Jews," Nixon griped to chief aide H.R. Haldeman in a July 1971 Oval Office recording. Baracudas fully running everything - you name it - its g-d's own show. Little Zionee goys can't seem to extricate themselves - fully mired in the sludge.

• teadoir | Jun 05, 2010, 04:42 PM EDT

  Pat52rk - Amen, the same people that sanction murdering innocent people and celebrated 9/11 in the streets of Palestine.

• teadoir | Jun 05, 2010, 04:41 PM EDT

  Wake up Ireland, these people have called for the destruction of Israel and America. These are the same people that are naming landmarks after suicide bombers in Iraq that have killed Americans. So far over 50 Americans have been killed by Palestinians included the stoning to death of a 13 year old boy or the sick display of Palestinians celebrating 9-11 in the streets cheering and flashing the victory sign. It is hard for me to imagine Irish people supporting organizations that call for the obliteration or nullification of Israel. I am 100% Irish by blood but have lost my stomach to continue visiting Ireland with all the radical logic and arrogance that is now part of a culture that we once cherished. Why do you think so many Irish Americans travel to England, France and Italy instead of spending their vacations in the land of their ancestors? Good luck on your economic recovery, maybe Hamas will come to your rescue. The biggest joke is all the illegal Irish wanting to stay in the US and for us to lobby for them while they continue to support enemies of the US. Move to Palestine if the US is such a terrible country and we are such bad people.

• teadoir | Jun 05, 2010, 04:39 PM EDT

  Shuvonn- there is no aid involved with our planes refueling in Ireland. Your broke ass country is recieving money for allowing US planes to refuel. Ireland has never came to America's aid, we should have never supported your country in 1916 and maybe you would be more open to America as a British citizen.

• pat52rk | Jun 05, 2010, 03:36 PM EDT

  the people of gaza elected a terrorist group 'hamas' to lead them. They have to deal with the consequences.

• killowen | Jun 05, 2010, 01:11 PM EDT

  The NUT'N'YAHOO, Israeli Pirate head, teams up with Somalian Pirates but with a twist. This nut and his g-dly connected, assisted by their Great Kihuna backer aim to keep imprisoned Gazans from the basic aid that they are in dire need of. Facts such as this will be pretzel twisted by their minions who manage their goy flock with consumate ease. Having given us a god named Jesus it would be natural for us believe we are dealing with a g-dly people. Our Zion Masters. No one dare complain. Three our fathers and three hails should keep the sheep from going beserk as the Germans demonstrated in the past century.

• shuvonn | Jun 05, 2010, 01:01 PM EDT

  As a proud Irish WOMAN I support the right of people to question with action the legality of the blockade of Gaza by Israel. This has nothing to do with arab terrorists, NO weapons were found on ANY of the vessels...

• Southernpride | Jun 05, 2010, 12:47 PM EDT

  As a proud irishman I support Israel right to defend their citizens against Arab Terrorists

• shuvonn | Jun 05, 2010, 12:42 PM EDT

  Manhattan: Ireland has been of great aid to the US for as long as YOUR war with Iraq has been going on, they ALLOW US planes to land and refuel in Shannon daily. SO PLEASE do NOT tell IRELAND whom we can ask for help and whom we cannot. The aid to Gaza is down 75% of pre ILLEGAL blockade. Get your facts straight! You do NOT know what the agenda of that Irish ship named after an AMERICAN CITIZEN murdered by an Israeli bulldozer is, you DO not speak for Ireland, nor do you speak for the agenda of the people aboard it. We do NOT have to stand back and do nothing like YOU seem to want to.

• manhattan | Jun 05, 2010, 11:32 AM EDT

  That Irish ship has an agenda. Stay the hell home you have no ideas what terroism Hamas is capable of. Also, Isreal supplies the Palestians with needed food and medical supplies. Ireland, so far you have not been the target of Arab terroists so mind your own buisness.

• shuvonn | Jun 05, 2010, 11:04 AM EDT

  Israel has ONE ally in the middle east, TURKEY. They conduct (OR DID) joint military exercises all the time, WHY complain that Israel is surrounded by hostility when it is Israel acting with hostility illegally boarding a vessel in International waters and killing 9 or 10 citizens of your ALLY, and one American citizen. You can try to spin all you like, there were NO terrorists, OR weapons on board ANY of the vessels, LYING will not change facts here. Israel has ONLY shown selected footage of the ILLEGAL take over of the ship in International waters. The live feed from the ship was stopped by Israel and they are only showing parts of video that shows THEIR side. They destroyed the cameras of journalists, blocked cell and internet access. How naive you are to believe all you are told that is pro-Israeli. The blockade of Gaza is ILLEGAL. If it was only to inspect, why take over the vessel? Why drop off Commandos in full combat gear, wearing masks in the dead of night? Those vessels had a right to be where they were, and should have been guaranteed safe passage. According to US spokesman Robert Wood *Aid should never be used as a political weapon* And Food and other items such as crayons,paper etc sits in warehouses and basic items are banned by Israel as *luxuries* Nicholas Clegg the Deputy Prime Minister of GB has stated that *the blockade on Gaza is neither tenable or acceptable* Clinton called it unsustainable and unacceptable*.

• AnderwRutheford | Jun 05, 2010, 10:08 AM EDT

  Israel stoped Rachel Corrie, peacefully - no one tried stubbing soldiers, kidnappind their weaopns or clubbing them. And why? No IHH Turkish al qaida related terrorists were on board, unlike in Mavi's case.

• Monsoonman | Jun 05, 2010, 10:07 AM EDT

  ridiculous comparison between the somali pirates and the Israelis who inspect ships headed to their terrorist neighbor for weapons. The somalis kidnap the crew and ship and demand ransom. The israelis only want to ensure there are no weapons on board...think up a better one next time ok?

• Rebelforce | Jun 05, 2010, 12:41 AM EDT

  When Somali Africans storm ships in the Indian Ocean they're called "pirates" or "terrorists". When Israelis storm ships they're called "commandos". Go figure.

• RiverAveGuy | Jun 05, 2010, 12:10 AM EDT

  Good then sink it !

• killowen | Jun 04, 2010, 11:38 PM EDT

  Someone has to stop this cancer that brooklyn politician has confronted but who gets the tar and feathering that "reporters to a higher authority " supremecy preach. The Irish who've fought for everyone need to join forces with seekers of justice - the abuse of goys must end.

• oldbear | Jun 04, 2010, 08:05 PM EDT

  Sounds as if the participants expect martyrdom. If sincere in their reasons then allow the Israel Navy to escort them into a port. They likely will inspect and if all is ok to them then the passengers and supplies can proceede onland to their intended destination.

• FlaIrishLad | Jun 04, 2010, 07:30 PM EDT

  The Rache Corrie, if it continues in a path to attempt to run the blockade, is wrong! Israel has the right to a blockade much like the Northern Ireland and the Republic had for over 30 years on their mutual boarder when terrorists rampaged on both sides. They both had the right to defend their citizens, as does Israel. This is plain and simple a publicity stunt by the members of the Rachel Corrie crew/activits - give it up and grow up!

• belfastgirl1 | Jun 04, 2010, 06:40 PM EDT

  Regarding birdpop at 04:34pm. I think you have your WALES mixed up. learn how to spell.

• irishwxman | Jun 04, 2010, 06:22 PM EDT

  In World War II, with full international legality, the United States blockaded Germany and Japan. And during the October 1962 missile crisis, we blockaded ("quarantined") Cuba. Arms-bearing Russian ships headed to Cuba turned back because the Soviets knew that the U.S. Navy would either board them or sink them. Yet Israel is accused of international criminality for doing precisely what John Kennedy did: impose a naval blockade to prevent a hostile state from acquiring lethal weaponry.

• irishwxman | Jun 04, 2010, 06:20 PM EDT

  I agree vincem13. I don't want to see anyone hurt, but I would hope they at least follow the request.

• jimmy12003 | Jun 04, 2010, 06:15 PM EDT

  nuke the long nose cu-nts once and for all!

• vincem13 | Jun 04, 2010, 04:44 PM EDT

  The effective government of Gaza, Hamas, has declared war on Israel and is engaged in active hostilies, not against military targets but against civilians, many of them children. Blockades in case of war are time-honored and perfectly legitimate. I hope that the Rachael Corrie would act accordingly and go to an Israeli port for inspection and transshipment of cargo.

• birdpop | Jun 04, 2010, 04:34 PM EDT

  If England or Whales were sending rockets into your homes and schools, whould you not take efforts to stop it. There is no hunger in Gaza as tons of supplies are sent in weekly. Get up to date on the news.

• RiverAveGuy | Jun 04, 2010, 04:32 PM EDT

  Good, now SINK IT !

• Unltdblogger | Jun 04, 2010, 04:15 PM EDT

  It amazes me so much to see how some people still feel that Israel has every right to do what it has done. I can only say these people cannot be helped; I guess years of constant misinformation have wrought their damage. I'm trying very hard not to blame them for their sheer ignorance and short-sightedness. Good luck to all of us.

• shuvonn | Jun 04, 2010, 04:11 PM EDT

  What it is really being leased for is to deliver cement, building materials, pens, wheel chairs and other medical supplies to Gaza which is currently down to 25% of the pre illegal blockade amount of goods being passed from Israel into Gaza. Egypt has even opened the Rafah crossing to show its disgust after this malhandling of the flotilla public relations disaster for Israel. The cargo has already been inspected by Irish Customs at Dundalk before it left Ireland.

• GuinnessGrrl | Jun 04, 2010, 04:04 PM EDT

  Posted by killowen on Jun 04, 2010, 09:22 AM EDT Our Masters voices wail on aided and abetted by the sold-out Big Kihuna whom they have anaconda squozed. An amazing achievement by satanic forces. Manchurian Candidates under their control utter nonsensical rubbish - terrorized by what may befall them. Even Jimmy Carter had to do a turn around - goy pawns and half breeds positioned for zion. Thank you jesus. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WTF???? Does anyone else understand this post, and if so, could you translate it?

• GuinnessGrrl | Jun 04, 2010, 04:02 PM EDT

  Israel has become the perfect example of the abused becoming the abuser.

• miltonedunn | Jun 04, 2010, 03:12 PM EDT

  the ship needs to stay at home and the owners need to learnwhat the ship is really being leased for.This is another case of noses going where they should not be.

• shuvonn | Jun 04, 2010, 02:25 PM EDT

  Emeraldeyes: are you saying it was NOT at night time that Israeli commandos boarded those vessels? I am very familiar with the region and I am also aware that Egypt has opened the Rafah crossing over the last day or two, so it is NOT blocking any aid at THIS time. And the aid going into Gaza from the Israeli side is only 25% of the aid allowed in before the blockade. You really need to reign yourself in and not be telling others what they are entitled to have an opinion on.

• rpmschevy | Jun 04, 2010, 01:35 PM EDT

  Being an Irish ship, Isreal has given it the opportunity to be safely reviewed instead of boarded. Be wise, go to the port. If everything is on the up and up, no weapons or jihadists like the other vessel, then Isreal can let it continue. If not, then Ireland and the UN have a fair leg to stand. Trying to be the agressor by running a blockade is reason for boarding.

• rpmschevy | Jun 04, 2010, 01:33 PM EDT

  Mayolady. Nazi's? You have to be kidding. Unbelievable statement from someone with a brain. US gives billions more to countries all over the world. One reason we are hurting here.

• TonyValente | Jun 04, 2010, 01:28 PM EDT

  What I don't understand is how the Israelis are not charged with piracy on the high seas. They borded a ship in international waters and stole the cargo. Is that what we are doing with the Somali pirates?

• killowen | Jun 04, 2010, 01:16 PM EDT

  The scum that keeps on giving pain to everyone. Germany having beserkowitz is now very understandable.

• AnderwRutheford | Jun 04, 2010, 12:54 PM EDT

  Israel is the only place in the middle east that justifies not blowing up the whole region. Not enough place to write down their contributions to the world. What did arabs which most of you defend with such generosity defend do for the world? I mean other than suicide bombing?

• Emeraldeyes | Jun 04, 2010, 12:51 PM EDT

  'Night time assault on aid ship'???? Are you serious???How come the other ships were not 'assaulted'???? Five other ships were searched and no incident.....think about it! People choose to forget why there is a blockade in the first place. Also Egypt is part of that blockade too because they share a border with Gaza. The people on the Rachel Corrie will be fine if they comply unlike the other guys who knew exactly what they were doing. This is getting ridiculously out of hand. Back off people and let the Israelis do what they need to do to stop the weapons coming in. The people in Gaza are not starving!!

• shuvonn | Jun 04, 2010, 12:50 PM EDT

  The blockade of Gaza is not an internationally recognized one but no one has challenged it before. AND IF the people on that ship allow the Israelis to escort the vessel into Israel the goods they want to deliver ( which are not legally allowed into Gaza, including cement) will be confiscated by Israel. If Israel want respect they need to SHOW it to the people in Gaza, and their only ally in the ME Turkey, murdering their citizens in an attack in International waters is NOT showing respect. Israel has lost the PR battle but the excuse that it was only defending itself is not truthful with such disproportionate brute force shown. There were NO weapons found on any of the vessels, and since the blockade is actually ILLEGAL it is not about provoking a bully in the middle east.

• KMcSinger | Jun 04, 2010, 12:44 PM EDT

  So, does anyone really think that the Israelis will pass all the materials on to the Gaza strip after inspecting the boat?

• shuvonn | Jun 04, 2010, 12:40 PM EDT

  MonsoonMAN: First off the Israelis were obviously NOT humane when they killed 9 people 8 Turkish citizens, 1 American citizen,and wounded 60 of them. 8 citizens of the country that was their only ally in the ME. There are goods on that Rachael Corrie that are banned by Israel, such as cement and the people on the ship do NOT trust the Israelis to deliver those goods so there are no OTHER

• Mayolady | Jun 04, 2010, 12:32 PM EDT

  The Israeli right wing are the New Nazis of this century. They maneuvered the US into the Iraq war and tried to send us into Syria immediately thereafter but Colin Powell prevented it, to the outrage of many in the Bush Administration such as Paul Wolfowiz (sp?, Richard Perle and Dick Cheney. They are now demanding we attack Iran for them. They are less interested in Afghanistan because it more of a threat to us and not them. The U.S. gives Israel a Billion dollars every October 1 and if we are late, we agree to pay interest on our gift! Isreal OWNS the U. S. Congress through their use of campaign money and influence of the press. None dare speak up.

• Oonaghx | Jun 04, 2010, 12:20 PM EDT

  Nations who attempt to oppose Israeli security (under the guise of being heros delivering humanitarian aid) deserve everything they get, If you are going to volunteer for this kind of effort, then you should know that there is a certain amount of danger involved. If its really about providing provisions for the people in the Gaza, then do that!!"The Israelis have requested that The Rachel Corrie voluntarily sail to Ashdod Port rather than be boarded." Its a simple request, but, no; thats not what these so called humanitarians want to achieve, is it? Show some respect to the nation of Israeli, for Gods Sake " as you would like to be shown to your nation Ireland. Is it really about helping people in Gaza" or is it more about provoking incidents with Israel?

• Wallywatts | Jun 04, 2010, 11:50 AM EDT

  The Israelis should stop the blockade on Gaza. It is inhumane. Their bullyboy tactics will alienate them further. It is often said the bullied often becomes the bully. I had huge sympathy for Israel and am aware of its history, but not for its hostile actions towards the Palestinians and unarmed people. Something must be done urgently, internationally, to solve the problems of the Palestinians and to deal with the Israelis and their continuous takeover of the area.

• kevinhayes | Jun 04, 2010, 11:13 AM EDT

  @Monsoonman - weird definition of heroes - commandos with machine guns versus civilians with sticks and knives. Remind me again, which side ended up with 9 dead? That's how you define "humane"? Israel has lost this PR battle - just read the Israeli press and you'll see that.

• joeustace | Jun 04, 2010, 11:10 AM EDT

  It is unfortunate to see Irish participating as "human shields" for those attempting to oppose Israeli security and provoke incidents. How would you feel if Northern Ireland were lobbing rockets into Ireland's northern counties. Would Ireland feel justified to respond? Your history says you would. Whythen oppose Israeli blockade, when they have other means to deliver "humanitarian" goods?

• Monsoonman | Jun 04, 2010, 10:27 AM EDT

  The actual true heroism here is on the part of the Israeli commandos that will board this ship. The scum bags on the ship know the Israelis will be humane in their reaction to violence against them. If it was hamas doing this they would just blow up the entire ship.

• IrishEagle | Jun 04, 2010, 10:04 AM EDT

  tomgallagher,
  
  How many blockades take place within the blockading nation's own waters? When the US blockaded Cuba in the early 60s, did the blockade cease 20 miles from the Florida Keys?

• jflanagan | Jun 04, 2010, 09:49 AM EDT

  The Russians would not deliver our aid to the Berliners so the United States and allies had to get the aid to them directly. Israel has said it will deliver humanitarian goods from these ships and has in the past. They just want to make sure Hamas, who's sworn goal is to eliminate the Israelis, is not getting deliveries of weapons, explosives and the like. Why do we not see these same people sailing into North Korea with aid for the enslaved citizens of that country and decrying the killing of all the South Koreans by the North? Perhaps because these are people sympathetic with vicious murderers and against democratic people ensuring their own lives and safety.

• killowen | Jun 04, 2010, 09:22 AM EDT

  Our Masters voices wail on aided and abetted by the sold-out Big Kihuna whom they have anaconda squozed. An amazing achievement by satanic forces. Manchurian Candidates under their control utter nonsensical rubbish - terrorized by what may befall them. Even Jimmy Carter had to do a turn around - goy pawns and half breeds positioned for zion. Thank you jesus.

• Rebelforce | Jun 04, 2010, 09:17 AM EDT

  In June 1948, Russia, our wartime ally imposed a blockade on Berlin, cutting off and condemning to death or Stalinist domination 2 million Germans, most of whom, not long before, had cheered Adolf Hitler. Harry Truman responded with the Berlin airlift, in perhaps the most magnanimous act of the Cold War. For nine months, U.S. pilots flew into Tempelhof, carrying everything from candy to coal, saving a city and earning the eternal gratitude of the people of Berlin, and admiration everywhere that moral courage is admired. That was an America that lived its values. And today, President Obama should end his and his country’s shameful silence over the inhumane blockade of Gaza Ghetto that is denying 1.5 million beleaguered people the basic necessities of a decent life. Time to start acting like America again. That bloody debacle in the Eastern Mediterranean last Sunday was an inevitable result of Israel doing what it always seems to do: going beyond what is essential to her security, to impose collective punishment upon any and all it regards as hostile to Israel.

• tomgallagher | Jun 04, 2010, 09:12 AM EDT

  No one seems too concerned that these boardings and confiscations are taking place in international waters.

• DLW12183 | Jun 04, 2010, 09:01 AM EDT

  If you think this was purely humanitarian aid then I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.