FREE DR. SAMI AL-ARIAN NOW!
How unfortunate that the judicial system we so cherish and cite as a positive example before the world has become one of embarrassment and targeted racism. Please read the information below, but more importantly, please ACT!
Dr. Sami Al-Arian is a university professor who has been held as a
political prisoner by the US government for over 5 years. No jury has
ever found him guilty, and no evidence has ever been presented to back
up the US government's accusations, except that Al-Arian is a
Palestinian Muslim who advocated on behalf of Palestinians suffering
under Israeli occupation and worked to involve American Muslims in the
political process here.
Dr. Al-Arian was scheduled to be
released on April 11th, but in March, he was summoned to testify before
a third grand jury. Dr. Al-Arian refused, not only because the plea
agreement he concluded with the government in 2006 unambiguously
exempted him from having to testify, but also because the government
prosecutor who sought his testimony was blatantly laying a perjury trap
for him. Due to his refusal to testify, Dr. Al-Arian was charged with
two counts of criminal contempt on June 26th. His trial will commence
on August 13th. Criminal contempt is the only crime that has no maximum
penalty; if convicted, Dr. Al-Arian could spend the rest of his life in
prison.
See http://www.freesamialarian.com for more info.
Last Thursday (June 26th), three months after refusing to testify
before a third grand jury, Dr. Sami Al-Arian - whose trial has been the
single most important test case of the PATRIOT Act - was charged on two
counts of contempt of court. Dr. Al-Arian refused to testify not only
because the plea agreement he concluded with the government in 2006
clearly exempts him from having to do so, but also because it was a
clear perjury trap.
The Assistant US Attorney who sought his
testimony and who brought the contempt charges, Gordon Kromberg, has
made no attempt to hide his bigotry towards Arabs and Muslims.
Furthermore, Kromberg has publicly and in no uncertain terms declared
his alleged right to use legal loopholes to punish people he cannot
convict for any substantial crimes. (See article in posted section for
more information on this rogue prosecutor).
Criminal contempt has no maximum penalty; if convicted, DR. AL-ARIAN, A LOVING FATHER OF FIVE, COULD BE SENTENCED FOR LIFE.
These
charges are an outrageous abuse of the grand jury system and a naked
attempt by the government to punish an innocent man for exercising his
first amendment rights.
PLEASE ACT!
2 phone calls + 1 fax = BIG difference!
Friends, please stand with us against this act of tyranny by doing these two simple things:
1.
Call Senator Patrick Leahy ((202) 224- 4242) and Congressman John
Conyers ((202) 225-5126) - the Judicial Committee chairmen of the
Senate and House respectively - and ask them to meet with the Attorney
General and have him stop Assistant US Attorney Gordon Kromberg from
going forward with this unlawful indictment. Even if you are not their
constituent, they are obliged to listen to your opinion since their
duties extend to all Americans.
2. Fax a letter to the Office
of Professional Responsibility at the US Department of Justice: (202)
514-5050. See the postings section for the letter template.
To find out how to HELP EVEN MORE, please see the discussion board below under "More ways to help."
Again, you all have our heartfelt thanks for your sincere support at this crucial time.
TACTICS THAT ENDED APARTHEID IN SOUTH AFRICA CAN END IT IN ISRAEL
Rather than post a comment by freepali.com, I thought this article which I got from The Electronic Intifada and written by an individual who led a movement to overthrow apartheid in South Africa was appropriate for the occassion.
Bill Fletcher, Jr., The Electronic Intifada, 29 June 2008
|
|
An
Israeli soldier sits atop an army vehicle overlooking a protest by
Palestinians at the Beit Iba checkpoint outside Nablus in the occupied
West Bank, June 2008. (Rami Swidan/MaanImages)
|
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict often inspires a sense of
powerlessness. What can average Americans do to bring an end to this
decades-old conflict when our leaders have failed so miserably?
And what good is speaking out about Israel's occupation of Palestinian
land as the primary obstacle to peace when even former President Jimmy
Carter and Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu are condemned for
their criticism of Israeli policies?
This month in San Jose, California, average Americans will have the
opportunity to take a stand for peace and justice in the Middle East.
The Presbyterian Church US's General Assembly began Saturday and runs
through Sunday at the San Jose Convention Center. At the meeting, which
takes place once every two years, delegates will make policy decisions
for the 2.3 million-member denomination.
They will consider corporate engagement, up to divestment, with
companies that profit from the obstacles to a just peace in Israel and
Palestine. The church is considering approaches to Caterpillar, ITT
Industries, Motorola and United Technologies.
The TransAfrica Forum, an organization which I was honored to head,
played a leading role in the movement to end apartheid in South Africa.
Corporate engagement was one of the most powerful tools in our
non-violent arsenal. It was the right moral decision then and it is the
right moral decision now. Just as it worked in South Africa, it can
work in Palestine and Israel.
Yet Presbyterian delegates are being pressured to vote against similar
measures. Some say the tactic unfairly singles out Israel for
condemnation. But it is not the country we condemn; it's a system of
segregation and inequality.
The Israeli government has established in the Occupied Palestinian
Territories a regime of systematic discrimination. It maintains two
systems of laws, and a person's rights are based on national origin.
Palestinian land is confiscated to build Israeli-only settlements and
roads. Palestinians wait hours in line at more than 500 Israeli
checkpoints and roadblocks in the West Bank, while Jewish settlers
speed by on modern, well-lit highways.
As Carter, and many Israelis have said, as long as this dual system
exists, any peace agreement between Israel and Palestine will be
impossible. Palestinians compare Israeli policies to those of apartheid
in South Africa. Former Israeli Attorney General Michael Ben-Yair wrote
in 2002, "In effect, we established an apartheid regime in the occupied
territories immediately following their capture. That regime exists to
this day."
South Africans who led the fight against apartheid, like Archbishop
Desmond Tutu and former United Nations envoy John Dugard, make similar
comparisons.
To the detriment of both Israelis and Palestinians, we provide
financial and diplomatic support to maintain these separate and unequal
policies. Israel is the number one recipient of US foreign aid: roughly
$2.5 billion last year alone. Our government has cast more than 40
vetoes in the United Nations Security Council to shield Israel from
international condemnation.
Divestment from companies that benefit from the occupation is an
opportunity for American citizens to do what our government leaders
have refused to do: say that our money will not fund human rights
abuses any longer.
With humbleness, with love, with compassion for Palestinians and
Israelis, I believe in the possibility that both can live as neighbors
with security, dignity and respect. As it did in South Africa,
corporate engagement, including divestment, can help make that
possibility a reality.
Bill Fletcher, Jr. is executive editor of blackcommentator.com
and former president of the TransAfrica Forum, which led the US
movement to overthrow apartheid in South Africa during the 1980s. This
article originally appeared in the San Jose Mercury News and is republished with the author's permission.
Calm in the Region?
What are we to wonder about our favorite racist state?
As the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is still in place,
you may want to breath a sigh of relief…oops, not so quick...I said you “may”
want to. The unrelenting misery those in
Gaza have been suffering
at the hands of the brutal Zionist forces appears to have been minimized for
the moment. Are we really supposed to feel better though knowing that by mid-year 2008 Israel has murdered more victims than all of 2007. This to include an unacceptable
number of children and infants (is there ever an acceptable number????)
Don’t be so quick to turn your attention away from the
region. Atrocities are still being
committed as Israel’s brutal
arm extends into the West Bank whereby atrocities
continue against the innocent Palestinian civilians. Murders, arrests, land expropriation,
restrictions in movement, destruction of land, inhumane treatment, torture…and
the list goes on, is business as usual for Israel. Whereas they utilized the feeble excuse of
rocket fire in Gaza as justification for their
actions, what excuse do they have in the West Bank?
When will they realize that their inhumane policies intended to break the will
of the Palestinians will never work? They
will never succeed in even fracturing the Palestinian will despite their terrorist
policy of unrelenting brutality against an entire population.
And the winner for Biggest Obstactle to Mid-East Peace goes
to……
And the US
government continues to support this terrorist state. Recently, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
pulled her head out of Israel’s ass and used “exceptionally harsh language” (as
quoted by the AP) criticizing them for undermining the peace process by
continuing to build illegal settlements in the illegally occupied territories. Although that may have appeased many, the
reality is that if there is a desire for true peace in the region, a true and
fair peace, it can be easily attained, but is dependant on applying the rule of
law to all. Oh yeah, and the US
foreign policy needs to rid itself of the words “double standard”.
This past week the focus has been on Israel and Iran. We have read how Israel
has been carrying out military exercises which appear to be a rehearsal for
attacking Iran’s
nuclear facility. What about Israel’s
nuclear arsenal? Why hasn’t Israel
been willing to sign any nuclear non-proliferation agreements? Who is the true aggressor in the region? So many questions to ask.
Anniversary of Attack on the USS Liberty Ignored
![]()
On the anniversary of the attack of the US Navy Intelligence
ship, the USS Liberty, those few who are even aware or remember the tragic
occasion remember the 34 victims which
were murdered and the 174 that were injured as a result of the deliberate and brutal Israeli military
attack on the ship which was in international waters.
There is unanimous agreement by United States government officials and intelligence
agencies that the attack was made with full knowledge that it was a US
ship and that the attack was deliberate. Israel obviously acknowledged the attack, but claimed it was mistaken identity. Declassified government documents prove otherwise.
The irony resulting from this tragic event in history is how
it is not reported with an obvious attempt to cover it up. Initially by our government, to spare the reputation of Zionist Israel, and also the media
in the United States. This was a deliberate attack on the U.S. Where are all the reporters and
politicians who claim to care and respect the service of our armed forces? The bias reporting of Mid East politics can
not be any clearer when your own armed forces can be attacked and murdered and
there is no decency to make any mention of such attack on the anniversary date. Maybe the
media is too busy concentrating their efforts on trying to portray Israel as a
victim all the time and craftily attempting to lay blame for certain acts on
groups not even involved as our politicians have carefully placed their heads
in the rectum of the Zionist Lobby.
This behavior should not be condoned. It is the responsibility of us all to honor
the innocent victims that lost their lives for no reason at the hands of the
true terrorist regime.
For detailed information including a summary of events leading to the attack, FAQs, pictures and more, visit the USS memorial site at www.gtr5.com.
GAZANS DENIED SCHOLARSHIP FOR LIVING UNDER OCCUPATION
![]()
So what's the worst part of living under occupation. Hmmm....denial of basic human rights, home demolition, false imprisonment, torture, having your family killed, being denied water and electricity, general unbearable living conditions, the list goes on.....well now let's add another reason:
RECEIVING A PRESTIGIOUS FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP AND BEING SENT AN EMAIL THAT THE SCHOLARSHIP IS BEING WITHDRAWN DUE TO ISRAEL REFUSING TO GRANT EXIT VISAS TO THE RECIPIENTS.
The Fulbright scholarship was founded by US Senator Fulbright in the aftermath of WWII and is a program allowing for international exchanges and promoting peace and understanding with regards to educational exchanges for grad students, scholars, educators, etc. It is considered to be one of the most prestigious of programs and operates in nearly 150 countries.
Eight Palestinians in Gaza recently had their scholarships withdrawn because they live under occupation in the Gaza Strip and Israel is refusing to grant them visas to go abroad to study. How unfortunate that the mission of this scholarship is being trampled upon by the inherent racism which is so deeply rooted in the Israeli government. Consider that these students have gone through so much to receive this award to include learning a second language. The State Department has gotten involved and they were advised to reapply for the program next year. These are individuals living in a huge "prison" due to the occupation and have no ordinary means of surviving due to Israel's attempt to starve the population of Gazans to death. What does the State Department have to do with the scholarship anyways.
If the State Department is to get involved, maybe they should put pressure on the government they are supporting to grant the visas. How ridiculous that the US has no power or influence in this matter when we provide billions of dollars of grant money to support Israel's terroristic policies? Supposedly this issue is going to be revisited. Let's hope the proper decision is made and these students are given the opportunity they have rightfully earned.
Dunkin' Dipshits
![]()
![]()
![]()
Just when you felt people couldn't fall to lower levels of ignorance, Michelle
Malkin reappears.
This past week, a Dunkin’ Donuts ad featuring celebrity chef and television host
Rachel Ray was pulled when ultra conservatives such as Michelle Malkin were critical
as to the choice of scarf Rachel Ray wore during an ad to promote iced coffee. Critics complained that the scarf was much too
similar to the kaffiyeh (a scarf) that has become a chic fashion accessory
throughout the world although its origins are from the Mid East.
Imagine the
suffering we may have endured by the Donuts of Mass Destruction (and calories)
being promoted by the donut chain and the spokesperson turned terrorist known for her great
culinary talents. Let us especially thank
Michelle Malkin who took the lead in this war on powdered pastries.
Let us commend the half-wits such as Malkin for their ability to uncover
the secret relationship between fashion attire and terrorism. The world is a much safer place now. Truly, it was a surprise to all that
terrorists had infiltrated the donut chain and recruited extremists like Rachel
Ray to promote terrorism through her fashion sense. Rumor has it the ad was pulled after Homeland
Security raised the terror alert to RED after uncovering "chatter" of random
jelly filled explosions throughout the chain.
As ridiculous as this may sound, consider that those who uncovered this
"terror advertising" are commonly seen commentating on stations like
Comedy Central...or is it FOX News??? Michele Malkin and other critics argue
that Rachel Ray should not wear the scarf due to its symbolizing Muslim
extremism and terrorism. Maybe if we put someone like Malkin in charge of
Homeland Security, she would do a better job of protecting us.
She can monitor clothing stores in the mall and arrest anyone making
suspicious purchases of scarves and jeans.
My hat (not worn by terrorists) goes off to Dunkin’ Donuts for yielding to
such ridiculous criticism. Will they realize that the majority of terror planning takes place in their stores and begin banning all Middle Eastern looking patrons?
As foolish as this all may appear, it should open your eyes to the fact that
there are individuals among us that continue in their attempt to promote fear and hatred against an entire group of people.
Son of Holocaust Survivors Denied Access to Israel
Professor Norman Finkelstein (political scientist, author, academic) of the United States was recently imprisoned upon his arrival to Israel. Without being allowed entry into the country, Professor Finkelstein was arrested, interrogated, imprisoned and then forced to leave the country due to his critical views regarding the illegal policies of the Israeli government.
Despite being of Jewish faith and the son of Holocaust survivors, Israel reinforced the fact that they do not discriminate when it comes to being racist! The Zionist governments refusal to allow Prof. Finkelstein entry typically means that he will be banned for 10 years from entering the country despite the fact that as a man of Jewish faith, he has a right to settle there according to their laws. Their claim of "security risk" is nothing more than a euphamism for their racist policies. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz in a May 27 editorial states: "Considering his unusual and extremely critical views, one cannot avoid
the suspicion that refusing to allow him to enter Israel was a
punishment rather than a precaution."
Is this the democracy we continue to hear about that must continue to be supported by our tax dollars? How embarrassed should the U.S. administration be to blindly support such a racist government. How often must Israel show it's true colors before our administration takes their head out of Israel's ass and sees the light?
While our economy is struggling, the U.S. provides over $3 billion annually from our tax dollars as grants (yes, grants) to fund the killing of innocent civilians, expropriation of land, building of illegal settlements, demolition of homes......and oh yeah, the building of an Apartheid Wall in the 21st century. And now, in this instance, discrimination against an individual with an impecable reputation for exercising a right this country was so proudly founded upon. I encourage everyone to contact their representatives in the government and let your voice be heard.
Let us not forget the victims of Al-Nakba
As the Zionist State of Israel prepares for their 60 year
"celebration", let us not forget what this "celebration"
represents for the Palestinians and for all decent human beings. The
establishment of the State of Israel, albeit illegitimate, was established at
the expense of the entire Palestinian population.
As “Israel”
celebrates, the Palestinians will mourn as they remember Al-Nakba (the “catastrophe”)
whereby over 500 villages were wiped out by the Jewish forces. They will mourn the entire villages of Palestinians
that were massacred as the Jewish forces attempted to ethnically cleanse the
Palestinian population. They will mourn
as they remember the 750,000 people that were expelled from their homes and land;
they will mourn as they reflect upon the fact that the illegitimate creation of
a Jewish state has created the longest suffering and largest refugee
populations in the world.
Let us congratulate “Israel”
for their tremendous accomplishments having committed and continuing to commit
the most heinous of crimes and doing so with the world standing by. This is the ‘true’ democracy we need in the
Mid East. Let us congratulate “Israel” for
successfully convincing the world that they are the victims as the facts prove
they are truly the worst of aggressors.
The facts cannot be denied.
As Zionists claim there were no Palestinians displaced, David Ben Gurion is quoted as saying:
“Jewish villages were built in the place of Arab villages. You do not
even know the names of these Arab villages, and I do not blame you because
geography books no longer exist…There is not a single place built in this
country that did not have a former Arab population."
Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva
Convention makes it illegal for an occupying force to expel people in order to
occupy their land. The acquisition of
land during time of war by this means is clearly illegal. This is the same international law that makes
it illegal for “Israel” to
occupy the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Although International Law allows for the return of refugee populations, Israel has refused to abide by the laws that govern the world. The records are clear and every sensible
human being realizes what the facts are.
Unfortunately, “Israel”
has its own distorted views and considers itself an exception to the law.
Let us not forget history and let us
not forget the victims of Al-Nakba.
freepali.com launches website
Long in the works, freepali.com has officially launched. It is the hope that visitors find the site to be resourceful and easy to navigate. I encourage everyone to share the site and feel free to email any recommendations you may have. There are a number of additional topics and information that will be added. With the never ending flow of information, it was decided to launch and add more info over time. Don't forget to visit the store to help support the scholarship fund and maintain the site. I also would love to see an active blog. There is daily activity taking place that can be discussed and shared with others. The tragic events of Gaza, the case of Sami Al-Arian, the race for presidency. Whatever you find relevant, please utilize the blog.
I welcome you all and look forward to your return to the site.
ISRAEL'S DESIRE FOR PEACE & DEMOCRACY
Once again, Israel has proven to the world that in fact it is they who are the obstacles to peace in the region. Protests erupted as Israel rejected the Hamas proposed truce. The truce was initiated in an attempt to lift the blockade which has caused the undescribable suffering imposed on the residents of Gaza. The victims of the Israeli regime are the civilian population. It is unfortunate that the "true democracies" of the world are sanctioning and causing the suffering of an entire population because they are disappointed by the results of a true democratic election whereby Hamas seized control from the Fatah party. Oh how we value the principles of democracy in the West...that is...only when it suits us. Let's hope a rocket blasts through the Apartheid Wall (internationally recognized as illegal) built by the great democratic government of Israel. Maybe then, the kids of Gaza will have food to eat.