I stood across the street from where the Oslo Peace Accord was written

[salin]

recently. I took pictures, felt chills, and cried.

The ridiculous and callous approach of Bushco, from the first days of their 'ascendancy' into power, was to do "everything the opposite of Clinton." Regardless of the policy.

Perhaps they bought into the far-right radio spew that the only reason that Clinton became heavily invested in trying to broker lasting peace and moving toward a solution in the Middle East was "for his legacy". See, EVERYTHING, in the simpleton-rw-sloganeer's rhetoric is about THEM. According to their bs at the time, they had done such a great job tarnishing Clinton, that the only thing he had left (because the economy was in shambles and the reputation of the US was discredited internationally... NOT), was to chase a 'legacy'. It couldn't be a long view, that stability in the Middle East was vital - and a valid foreign policy goal. NO it was all for self-aggrandizement of Clinton- according to Limbaugh etc. Thus teambushTM was FORCED to drop the initiative, and indeed do nothing.

Heck, when Sharon marched into Ramallah on Easter Weekend, Bush sulked a day or so before making any public statement, and when he made a statement (sitting sulkily in his 'ranch' in Crawford)... he wove in pro-Iraq war sentiment... setting the stage for one of the more ridiculous arguments for going to war in Iraq (something that his administration had not yet disclosed to the public that they were planning) - "that the road to Peace in the Middle East, ran through Baghdad." Then, after some very brief intervention (sending a highly decorated military general - who was later publicly canned and maligned by Bushco by suggesting the war in Iraq that team bush was panting after - might not be wise, and might cost a heckofalot more than bushco was claiming) - teambush simply walked away. To do nothing. To once in a while rattle the symbolic saber, but to do nothing.

Now in some odd incoherent rambling, bush claims that he has had a policy all along (and thus it must be GOOD). It wasn't really "do the opposite of Clinton, for the sake of doing the opposite of Clinton" - as it appeared. It was thoughtful and intentional (yikes). NOW, according to jr., he has asserted that earlier efforts were sham peace - just negotiating for quiet periods... not really working toward a solution - and that HIS approach (er - the 'do nothing approach') really is the right one, because somehow doing nothing is geared toward addressing root issues (wtf?) that would eventually end up in REAL peace.

As I stood looking at the buildings where the Oslo Peace Accord was hammered out. I grew deeply sad. The efforts, granted had flaws, at the time held the promise of a new beginning point which could lead to some resolution - the hope of a solution and lasting coexistence and peace.

Now as things have spiraled out of control - as I recall standing looking at the buildings - I am angry at the ridiculous rhetoric of the right-wing media at the time that was geared to dismiss the efforts. I grow furious at the intentional neglect of jr. And I find the current, unintelligible explanation of the boyking that attempts to differentiate his "righteous" (and clearly so successful :eyeroll: ) policies from those of Clinton, reckless.

As I remember standing across the street, thinking wistfully of what could have grown from those beginnings - my heart grows heavy. We are far passed lost opportunities. It is hard to imagine that there was a point in time in recent history, where there was hope for peace in the Middle East. Sadly, I don't see it being possible while this crowd is at the helm here - with their habit of throwing kerosene onto incendiary situations.

I look forward to a day in the future, going back to that spot in the road. I look forward to again getting chills as I think about the beginnings for hope for peace and resolution - that at that point in the future are finally realized.

"You may say that I'm a dreamer, But I'm not the only One"... (J Lennon)

May this dream only be delayed/deferred - and not completely destroyed.

All this said, while folks here are currently divided over the actions and atrocities (whether they have been avoidable or not) unfolding, I hope that we can agree on the noble goal of peace and resolution - and keep an eye on that common dream.

Peace.

[driver8]

1. Excellent! I enjoyed reading this. Recommended!!!

Junior really is a despicable human being, isn't he?

We have a spoiled little frat boy as our leader.

Not a very bright one, at that.

[salin]

3. I remember being on edge when candidate bush declared "Policy

bores me".

I remember being disturbed at a new magazine (newsweek? time?) description of the dumbed down 'briefings' that condi gives jr., and of how narrow and down to the very basics nature of those briefings. Any good policy brief not only covers current events, with proposals, but each proposal also includes a list of potential pitfalls. Only by understanding and vetting those things can more thoughtful policy emerge. Jr, instead, gets the abbreviated reader's digest version (without any policy discussions).

Frightening, really.

[babylonsister]

2. Lovely, salin. Peace to you, and hopefully to all of us eventually. nt

[salin]

4. from your lips (or fingertips)

to the ears of the world...

[bloom]

5. Peace nt

[salin]

6. With you, as well.

Got pics from that moment. If nothing for nostalgias sake - and for prayers for a different tommorow - we will have to share them with you.