Parents want U.S. inquiry into death of protester

[Resistance]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/141898_corrie30.html

JERUSALEM -- The parents of an American activist killed in Gaza by an Israeli army bulldozer in March called yesterday for an independent U.S. investigation of her death.

Rachel Corrie, 23, of Olympia was crushed to death March 16 while trying to block an army bulldozer from destroying a house in a Palestinian refugee camp near the Gaza-Egypt border.

Corrie belonged to a pro-Palestinian group called the International Solidarity Movement. Its members have placed themselves between Israeli forces and Palestinian citizens. At a news conference in Jerusalem, her parents said they were not satisfied with the Israeli explanations.

"I need to know if Rachel's death was intentional or accidental," she said, holding back tears. "I just want to know the truth."

---

More from this article:

Two other International Solidarity volunteers were shot shortly after Corrie was killed.

On April 5, Brian Avery, 24, of Albuquerque, N.M., was shot in the face during fighting in the West Bank town of Jenin.

On April 11, Thomas Hurndall, 21, of Britain, was shot in the head by Israeli troops as he helped children to safety in the Gaza Strip. He remains brain dead in England.

[demnan]

1. Finally!!

This story has taken a long time to grow legs.

[Resistance]

4. Well

Unfortunately, only a handful of local news outlets are reporting the story at this time. I'm pretty certain that the major media will continue to ignore Corrie's parents pleas for justice.

[Gimel]

45. Pleas for Justice

The parents plea is to know the truth. Many interpret that as though the truth were already known to them, that is THEIR truth. It seems that if the parents really wanted an inquirey at this date, need to look at the available evidence and make their own decision. No foreign government can conduct a trial on this, not even the US.

[The Zanti Regent]

2. Don't hold your breath

Sad to say, but nothing will come from this!

[mbperrin]

3. I hope something comes of this....

something about people wanting peace just makes some people want to kill them!

[Flying_Pig]

5. This will result in the same amount of justice being dispensed..

other victims of Israel's fascist Likud regime: None

In the U.S., so many of those who might deal with this issue, are allied with the PNAC/Likud/AIPAC/JDL/JINSA cabal (Repugs, Dems, and much of the media) that we're likely to hear nothing more of this, as they will quickly seek to bury the issue, and the story.

Again, I call for the removal of Israeli influence from our government, and our media. Those who choose to let an outside nation determine our foreign and military policies, and interfere in our domestic politics (like elections), are violating our Constitution. It's called treason, and it must be stopped, not only for the good of this nation, but of the world.

[Dhalgren]

6. I completely agree

and second you statement, strongly!

[The Magistrate]

9. As A Matter Of Curiousity, Mr. Pig

How would you go about achieving "removal of Israeli influence from our government, and our media."?

[Flying_Pig]

10. Well Mr. Magistrate, ....

much easier said than done. As far as political influence goes, complete reform of campaign laws, and public financing of all elections would do the trick. With this done, in a fell swoop, not only is influence reduced for AIPAC/Likud/PNAC/JDL, but also for all the other groups trying to manipulate our democracy (ie: corporations, NRA, etc.). In my view, they're all just as bad.

As far as the media goes, reinstitution of the Fairness Doctrine, and the complete break up of media conglomerates, would do the trick.

And don't think I know what you're angling at here Mr. Magistrate. I realize your distaste for generalizations, but in this case, substantial proof exists to prove the assertions.

The fact is, those who support the current regime in Israel, are in fact supporting many of the goals and aims of the Bush administration (with respect to foreign and military policy), PNAC, and others.

PNAC, AIPAC, and the JDL, count among its members, some of the most influential and powerful members of American media ownership and management. I contend that these people have used their positions of power to further the goals and aims of AIPAC and the JDL, both of which, as I mentioned above, happen to coincide with many of the goals and aims of PNAC and the Bush administration, ...hence my negative views on the matter.

Now, having said that, know that I am 100% for supporting a truly democratic and free Israel, and have supported it for over 30 years, until the aims of the present Likud regime became apparent. As for now, I cannot support any entity that gives support to the present Israeli regime, nor that of the cabal currently running this nation.

Simple as that.

In closing, my loyalty to this nation, is greater than that to any other nation, as I would expect it to be for any U.S. born citizen. Would you have a problem with that?

on edit: spelling correction

[MariMayans]

12. The JDL?

Who has connections with the JDL?

[The Magistrate]

14. Fair Enough, Mr. Pig

It would be interesting sometime to see some of your "substantial proofs" of media control. The power of the A.I.P.A.C. lobby is to my view greatly over-rated, nor does the P.N.A.C. proposal excite me much.

It is worth noting, too, that support for Israel and support for its current Likud government are hardly identical, nor is support for Israel identical with support for the current adminstrations policies in the Near East.

[Flying_Pig]

16. Hmmm.... Nowhere, Mr. Magistrate, did I use the word "control"..

I used the word, "influence". Big difference. Use of the word "control" might denote some haughty conspiracy or something, which I do not believe exists, which is why I did not use the word. What are you, an anti-semantic? LOL!

As far as my proof goes, it's quite easy to obtain membership lists of both AIPAC, JDL, and PNAC, and then compare them to the ownership/employeee rosters of the major media companies. A simple bit of Google work accomplishes this. As well, a number of "proofs" exist right here in the DU archives.

I also, as a person of Jewish decent, who was "involved" in the media business for many years, both in music, and publishing, could provide you with numerous first-hand accounts of my assertions as well. Anyway, what's to deny here?

You wrote: "It is worth noting, too, that support for Israel and support for its current Likud government are hardly identical, nor is support for Israel identical with support for the current administrations policies in the Near East."

The first part of your sentence, is quite correct, and I am certainly aware of this. There are many enlightened people, Jewish and otherwise, who detest the Likud. Dislike of Israel's government, should never be confused with dislike of State of Israel itself, or of its people. What has happened to Israel, is much the same as what has happened to us here; Fascists managed to usurp our democracy, and took control of the government. The only difference here, is that we in the U.S. didn't vote the bastards in (they were appointed), unlike Israel, who actually voted them in. That is Israel's shame, not ours.

As far as the last part of the sentence goes, the goals are virtually indistinguishable. Though Bush could probably really give a rat's ass about the Jewish people, or Israel, he wants the oil in the region, and he wants right-wing conservative Jewish votes at home. As Sharon has seen it best to tie his wagon to our little fascist, in an effort to help him accomplish his goals (the destruction of Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Palestinian apartheid), the two are sleeping nicely together. Their goals converge, much to the detriment of the people's of both nations, and the world, ... not to mention the prospects for peace in the Middle East.

Anyway, I've enjoyed chatting with you. Have a good day.

F.P.

[mmm]

25. Great Post F.P.

I enjoy your clear thinking on these matters

[number6]

35. you rock pig !

:yourock:

[Darranar]

38. Ah.. no...

As far as the last part of the sentence goes, the goals are virtually indistinguishable. Though Bush could probably really give a rat's ass about the Jewish people, or Israel, he wants the oil in the region, and he wants right-wing conservative Jewish votes at home. As Sharon has seen it best to tie his wagon to our little fascist, in an effort to help him accomplish his goals (the destruction of Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Palestinian apartheid), the two are sleeping nicely together. Their goals converge, much to the detriment of the people's of both nations, and the world, ... not to mention the prospects for peace in the Middle East.

You think that every person who is pro-Israel is as radical as that?

I know no poster on DU who supports Sharon. Only one or two that I know of support the Iraq war. As for pro-Israel posters, I can think of at least six - and that's within twenty seconds or so.

[ikojo]

23. The JDL is the Jewish Defense League

and is most definitely not a mainstream organization. They were affiliated with Meir Kahane when he was alive and still carry the Kahane torch. The JDL is basically the Jewish klan, IMHO. I seriously doubt there are high ranking government folks associated with the JDL.
The Jewish community see the JDL as outside the pale trust me.

[Jackie97]

33. JDL?

Give me a break. Nobody (not even most Jews and Zionists) take this group seriously enough to let it influence the government and the media.

[gratuitous]

11. I don't know about the "removal of Israeli influence"

But I'd sure like to see a more balanced approach, one that doesn't rely on loony interpretations of 2,000 year old texts for its underpinning.

[Jackie97]

32. Israeli influence.

"Again, I call for the removal of Israeli influence from our government, and our media."

Excuse me? Do you have any evidence for this claim that Israel influences our government and our media? The US does what they want to, and to any country that they want to (from the ME to Asia to South America) for profit, Believe it or not, the US has actually told Israel to back off from time to time (Israel just didn't always listen to us).

[Darranar]

34. I think you're both right...

The truth is that this gvoernment is, as you said, willing to do anything for its own profit, political profit included. In Israel it gets a stable ally that will help it against other Middle eastern nations.

However, as Flying Pig said, there is a substantial pro-Israel lobby in the US. It has far less influence on the US than some claim, but it nevertheless exists.

[Jackie97]

36. Yeah, but reread what he said.

"Again, I call for the removal of Israeli influence from our government, and our media. Those who choose to let an outside nation determine our foreign and military policies, and interfere in our domestic politics (like elections), are violating our Constitution."

The guy is actually suggesting that Israel and Isreali influence is determining our foreign and military policies. The truth is that if Israel doesn't help us or gets in the way of our profit plans in any way, we'll be more than willing to drop them like a hot potato and perhaps even make them our next self-righteous target.

Anyway, there's no evidence that Israel and Israeli influence determines our foreign and military policies any more than any other influence. I think that the strongest argument that one could make is that the US is a country full of mostly Christians (who believe that Israel should exist to fulfill prophecy). As a result, that Christian majority might influence how we deal with Israel. That's actually influence from the US citizens though, not Israel itself.

[Darranar]

37. You're right...

but people can easily phrase things badly. I tend to give them the benefit of the doubt unless it happens repeatedly.

[Equinox]

39. I think you are confusing the words determine and influence.

Flying_Pig did explicitly use the word influence, not determine. Please try to give the guy a break. I liked his post and I think it made perfect sense. I, myself, would like to see an end to these self interest groups that usurp our democracy, whether they be A.I.P.A.C or Big Tobacco, or AFL-CIO, or Big Auto, or Big Energy. They all influence our policy both foreign and domestic. I say kick them all in the proverbial balls.

[Jackie97]

43. He did use the word "determine".

Quote:

"Those who choose to let an outside nation determine our foreign and military policies, and interfere in our domestic politics (like elections), are violating our Constitution. "

Yes, if he had just used the word "influence", then I might have been more willing to give him a break, but determine?

As for self interest groups go, we need many of them. Without them, legislators are not pressured enough into passing good laws and rejecting bad ones. There are Palestinian and other Arab interest groups. There are immigrant's rights groups. I wouldn't want to get rid of most of them. What I do wish that we could get rid of (but can't) is the fact that some groups have a lot of money to pour out to those that they're trying to influence.

[The Magistrate]

44. Well Said, Jackie

Thank you.

[sistersofmercy]

7. I wish this tragic story would get widespread coverage.

I think I'll call some news source, probably won't do any good but I'll at least try.

[BeFree]

8. Rachel died representing us

We must get some help for Rachel's mother.

We owe it to her and other peace loving people who have been killed while doing the hard work for our side.

Is there a website for Rachel? If there is, the least we could do is spread the link.

[nn2004]

13. What is our side?

Her accident certainly was a tragedy and it is very sad for all involved. However, she does not represent those of us that support Israel in their efforts to rid the threat of terrorism and those that would never even consider teaching children how to hate and burn the American flag.

I'm not sure how much would be gained by a US official questioning the dozer operator again. I'm sure he would just confirm that he did not see her sitting in front of the dozer.

[AndyTiedye]

18. You Want To Get Rid of Terrorism in Israel?

then make peace, not war.

[The Stranger]

19. Maybe you should read up a bit.

However, she does not represent those of us that support Israel in their efforts to rid the threat of terrorism and those that would never even consider teaching children how to hate and burn the American flag.

She represents those that support the end of Israel's own terrorism -- that's why she was trying to stop an army bulldozer from demolishing a civilian home.

As far as "teaching children how to hate" and "burn the American flag," you really have to help us understand how you could possibly reference those with regard to Rachel Corrie's being run over by a bulldozer.

I'm not sure how much would be gained by a US official questioning the dozer operator again. I'm sure he would just confirm that he did not see her sitting in front of the dozer.

You seem a little too certain about this. However, even if you were correct, then nothing would be harmed by an investigation.

[nn2004]

21. "teaching children how to hate" and "burn the American flag,"

I reference those action because it is one way I (and many others) are different from Rachel. It was the gist of the post I responded to.

I don't have a link to the picture but there was very much hate in the eyes while igniting the flag in front of the children. My main point being that we should not teach children how to hate. They'll learn that on their own.

[The Magistrate]

22. That Is A Rather Tricky Call, Sir

There is a Rohrschak quality to eyes in a photograph.

[Name removed]

24. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[The Magistrate]

26. The Picture Is Familiar To Me, Sir

The eyes are barely distinguishable; the mouth is open in a howl that could indicate anything from rage to despair by way of glee or pain.

The only thing more foolish than burning flags is taking the act of burning a flag seriously.

[The Stranger]

28. Ah, yes.

You mean protesting.

Burning flags and, well, teaching hatred, was very common in the U.S. during the late 1960's.

Now that you have made yourself clear, I'm sure many on these boards will agree with you.

[Equinox]

41. We should not teach children how to run over peace activists,

with a bulldozer. :eyes:

This moral cock fight is very disturbing.

[BeFree]

20. Our side

Is the side that works for peace and equal rights.

Our side is the side that wants Justice, not just for Americans, but for all human beings.

It matters not where you live or what political persuasion persuades you. Our side wants peace. Rachel did a fine job representing our side and she died for it. Justice must be served.

[Equinox]

40. BeFree..don't listen to MM.

I would like to find one on Rachel and spread the link.

[shamanstar]

15. the sad things is

that even if it gets media coverage (which it did after it happened and all people did was make fun of her), they wont address the REAL reason she was there... they will skim over that. everybody will start talking again about how she knew it was dangerous to stand in front of the bulldozer and that she shouldnt have been in a war torn region if she didnt think she might get killed- bla blibbity blah.

i truly feel a loss because of rachel corries death.

[goforit]

17. I do believe you need to sue Israel!!!....Not have the US investigate.

Find an international lawyer.

[hueyfreeman]

27. She Was A DOPE.....

Ask a construction worker about the Safty of playing around heavy equipment...It's not safe for professionals let alone goofs....A few years ago a man sat on railroad tracks to stop a train...his legs were cut off...it was on TV.....If he had taken physics in school he would have know it take X time and X distace to stop a mulit ton train traveling at 35MPH....Another Dope....Don't blame the Working stiff (operator) ...She was a DOPE....

[Kemet]

30. So was the man

Who stood in front of a chinese tank in 1989 with your argument.
Fighting for rights often does involve putting your life on the line,

I would like to see an independant investigation on this killing.
Only those who fear the implications wouldn't.

[Name removed]

42. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[TahitiNut]

29. moving thread to appropriate forum

Thank you.

[Jackie97]

31. Oh yeah, they were "accidents".

All three of them in such short time periods were accidents. What a bunch of crap.

Recently though, Arafat met with Rachel Corrie's grief stricken parents. LGF criticized it, and totally lynched it here.

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=8301

Somebody said that they deserved no sympathy for meeting up with Arafat. Why wouldn't they feel more on Arafat's side since it was the IDF that killed their daughter? Give me a break. Perhaps I shouldn't have put this here, but I couldn't make a new thread out of it. I thought that since this was related to the Corrie's and since some people here hang out at that trashy site, that I could put it here.