The rough thing about being somewhat cut off from my regular online news updates is that I'm relatively unaware of the happenings of the world beyond what I happen to see on TV at peoples' houses.
The rougher part about being at a family members' house where I can check my online news sources is finding out that the Israel army has shot 19 humanitarian workers and arrested hundreds others for trying to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gazans who have been under siege for over a year. The fact that this act is illegal under international law is little comfort given that Obama's response has been unbelievably lame. The US Campaign has made a handy fact sheet about the flotilla fiasco (to avoid using other words beginning in f) which is helpful for understanding as well as advocacy: http://endtheoccupation.org/downloads/gazafreedomflotilla.pdf CODEPINK also has an email to Obama you can send calling for condemnation of this act: http://endtheoccupation.org/downloads/gazafreedomflotilla.pdf
What upsets me and shocks me most about all this is less that Israel would do this (because what is the death of 19 humanitarian workers if one is willing to kill hundreds of innocent children during Operation Cast Lead or daily dispossess people of their land?) and more that Obama's reaction has been so unbelievably inappropriate. More than ever I am convinced of the need for US citizens, who are in large part financing and supporting these abuses, to stand up and unambiguously say "Israel, we love you, but just because you have a history of suffering does not make it ok for you to inflict suffering on others. The rules of human rights and international law apply to you too, and we will not keep footing the bill for the oppression of others."
So, there's that.
Also I'm now in Nantes, in Western France staying with my second cousin and his lovely family. It's great to get back to French speaking, French eating, and general Frenchiness. I've had interesting opportunities to discuss cultural differences and perceptions here as well as catching up on the political feelings and realities this side of the ocean. I disillusioned a young man at the tram station today of the belief that all American girls were fast and lose (no worries, he didnt learn by experience, he out and out asked me if it was the case) and I also learned that under our dear Sarkozy dental and eye care are no longer covered in French healthcare. Seems we're taking a lesson from the US. Poor choice.
If you're the praying type today would be a good day to send a prayer out for the families of those killed on the flotillas going to Gaza. While you're at it you could also pray for immigrant families in Arizona as my updates have not been very hopeful in the immigration-reform world either. It's probably also a good day to sign a few petitions. All of which means its also probably a day for chocolate and meditation.
Take care of yourselves and much love.
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