We Lived to Tell the Story: Lebanon Rescued Us: Cynthia McKinney

[G_j]

http://www.opednews.com/articles/We-Lived-to-Tell-the-Story-by-Cynthia-McKinney-090101-305.html


January 1, 2009 - We Lived to Tell the Story: Lebanon Rescued Us
Cynthia McKinney

Yesterday, we met with the President of Lebanon, the Chief of the Military, and the Interior Minister who all thanked us for responding and risking our lives on a mission of mercy; we profusely thanked them for rescuing us.


What would we have done, stranded out at sea, prohibited from reaching our destination, low on fuel, with a badly damaged boat if Lebanon had not accepted us? Lebanon sent their ships to find us. Lebanon rescued us. Lebanon welcomed us. And we are truly thankful.

It's official now. We've been told that the sturdy, wood construction of our boat, Dignity, is the reason we are still alive. Fiberglass would probably not have withstood the impact of the Israeli attack and under different circumstances, we might not be here to tell the story. Even at that, the report that came to us yesterday after the Captain and First Mate went back to Sour (Tyre) to inspect the boat was that it was sinking, the damage is extensive, and the boat will take, in their estimation, at least one month to repair. Tomorrow, we will bring the Dignity from Sour to Beirut. And now, we must decide what to do and from where we will do it and how we are to get back to wherever that might be.

My personal, and I know the group's, thanks must go to Al Jazeera, that allowed three of their reporters to be onboard with us on our voyage. As a result, Al Jazeera carried the story of the Dignity live, from castoff in Cyprus when our spirits were high, right up through the manacing maneuvers of the huge, super fast Israeli ships before they rammed us, the Israeli calls on the ship phone after the ramming calling us terrorists and subversives and telling us to return to Cyprus (even though the Israelis later claimed that they didn't know who we were, they knew enough about us to tell us where we had come from), and the fact that we didn't have enough fuel to follow their instructions, right up to their threat to fire at us if we didn't turn around, ending with our beaten-up boat limping into Sour harbor in Lebanon. Al Jazeera carried our story as "breaking news" and performed a real service to its audience and to us. Al Jazeera called the Israelis to inquire about the incident right as it was happening and I am sure the Israelis were prepared to leave none to tell the story. Al Jazeera told the story and documented it as it was happening.

One of those Al Jazeera reporters with us was Sami El-Haj, who was detained in Guantanamo by the United States for six incredibly long years. What an honor to even exchange glances with such a humble man who had endured so much pain at the hands of the U.S. government. I apologized to him that my tax dollars were being used in such a despicable way. And Sami's crime according to the U.S.? Born in Sudan, and reporting for Al Jazeera in Afghanistan, Sami was the wrong color, the wrong nationality, the wrong religion, reporting for the wrong news outfit, telling us the truth about a wrong war. And for that he survived incarceration for six long years. Sami El-Haj, Guantanamo prisoner number 345.

Another incredibly committed journalist who was with us was CNN's Karl Penhaul. Karl reported the truth even when his own station was repeating Israeli disinformation. The fact that we were traveling with these alert journalists added to the flat-footedness and obvious crudeness of the Israeli response. Sadly, Israel has changed its story too many times to count, and that's because they are not telling the truth.

We lived to tell the story. Karl's incredible reporting, just a portion of our story, can be seen on CNN at:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/30/gaza.aid.boat/index.html

where there's also video and a photo of our damaged boat. A little more of the story and film of the extensive damage can be seen at:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/30/gaza.aid.boat/index.html#cnnSTCVideo


...more...

[Dennis Donovan]

1. Recommended.

:thumbsup:

[malaise]

2. Amazing isn't it

Karl reported the truth even when his own station was repeating Israeli disinformation.

You can see this on CNN World but not on CNN. Spin you whores and hacks.


The Dignity arrives in Tyre, Lebanon, after it was reportedly rammed by an Israeli military vessel Tuesday.

[WeDidIt]

3. USing Cynthia McKinney as the spokeswoman

shows me this group has exactly zero credibility.

[burythehatchet]

9. as opposed to the cred you've earned with your humniatrian deeds.

No, I don't have any idea who you are but your comment reveals you better than you know.

[G_j]

13. as a general rule

those who are brave enough to speak out, and act, are attacked the most vehemently,
Kucinich also fits in that category.

[WeDidIt]

17. Cynthia McKinney is a NUT

Plain and simple.

And since McKinney has been linked to anti-semitism, having her be a part of this shows what a scam it is.

[EFerrari]

27. Bullshit. Cynthia McKinney is not "linked" to anti-Semitism

and Free Gaza has been doing great work for a long time.

[WeDidIt]

34. Bullshit, her own father made anti-semitic statements

during the re-election bid she made that she lost!

[EFerrari]

35. Which she denounced and forced him to leave her campaign.

I can't believe how casually this slur is made. Doesn't it mean anything to you? Do you not take anti-Semitism seriously?

Good grief.

[LostinVA]

56. It's made ALL the time on here

It's a RW smear against McKinney that soooo many Dems bought then and still buy.

[EFerrari]

62. Happy New Year, LostinVA.

Hope this is a better one.

[LostinVA]

64. You too, SF

[JustAnotherGen]

132. Thank you - Right Wing Smear is Correct

I'm typing this as a black woman in America.

Paul Begala (the recent 'left wing hero') crawled under a desk a few years ago, laughed at C.M., and called her a nut. He supported Bush Co - and can go fuck himself.


The black woman? At minimum she was politically lynched. Nope - I support C.M. She's not going to be a 'good little negro' and go away so that right wing lying b.s. needs to stop and stop now.

Because SHE is involved - I'm much much MORE likely to believe it.

[Ken Burch]

70. It's enough that she denounced those remarks.

You can't punish her for what her father said. We all have relatives who have said terrible things. Should we all be blamed for them?

[Behind the Aegis]

74. When did she denounce those remarks?

I can't find it. Do you have a link?

[Pavulon]

75. Talks him up in this speech, right after saying israel is droppung radioactive

materials on Palestinians. She is clearly working for her cause. Herself and one side in a war that needs more brokers, and less agents.

http://namaste_rich.gnn.tv/blogs/30228/Text_of_Cynthia_McKinney_s_Damascus_Speech_on_Universal_Declaration_of_Human_Rights

[Ken Burch]

77. During the 1996 campaign. Here's a link

http://www.jewishsf.com/content/2-0-/module/displaystory/story_id/4824/edition_id/88/format/html/displaystory.html

The relevant passage in the article:

" recent weeks, McKinney has elevated her criticism of Farrakhan's anti-Semitism and racism. She also kicked her father off the campaign, denounced his comments and brought out some Jewish supporters who said she deserves credit for condemning her father and Farrakhan in the same sentence at a news conference."

So you now HAVE to admit that Cynthia McKinney is NOT an antisemite.

[Behind the Aegis]

79. Try again.

Those say this is what she did, but there is nothing to substansiate this claim. If she denounced his comments, when and where did this occur? So far: "Cynthia mckinney denounces anti-Semitism" on Google isn't producing any claims.

"So you now HAVE to admit that Cynthia McKinney is NOT an antisemite." Nope.

[Ken Burch]

80. It's enough that the article says she denounced him.

They wouldn't be lying on her behalf.

You KNOW Cynthia McKinney doesn't hate Jews. You know you have no reason to accuse her of hating Jews. Denouncing the IDF slaughter campaign in Gaza is NOT antisemitism.

[Behind the Aegis]

81. So, basically you can't prove it?

That's fine. Just admit it.

I have found plenty of articles saying she fired her father. I have only seen a few saying she renounced his comments, but nothing resembling a direct quote.

"You KNOW Cynthia McKinney doesn't hate Jews." I know no such thing.

"You know you have no reason to accuse her of hating Jews." I didn't.

"Denouncing the IDF slaughter campaign in Gaza is NOT antisemitism." Didn't say it was.

Keep setting up those strawmen.

[Ken Burch]

82. Firing her dad is proof that she disagreed with him.

She made it clear she disapproved of his remarks.

Why can't you admit that Cynthia is NOT an antisemite and move on? You know she's never done or said anything that's harmed anyone in the world's Jewish communities.

BTW, did you know that her dad, a few years earlier, had supported Sidney Marcus, who was Jewish, against Andrew Young in the Atlanta mayor's race? So it's not even so cut and dried with him(although I agree with her, because she did denounce him and the article proved it, that he was wrong to say what he said that one time.)

This kind of thing was bullshit when it was used to stop Jesse Jackson in the Eighties(all he was guilty of was supporting a Palestinian state, which was not an antisemitic position)and it was bullshit to do it against Cynthia. She was never to blame for her father's remarks

[Behind the Aegis]

84. No, it doesn't!

Unless she said that was why he was fired, and even then, that doesn't prove anything other than he was fired.

"Why can't you admit that Cynthia is NOT an antisemite and move on?" Why do you insist on creating strawmen?

"You know she's never done or said anything that's harmed anyone in the world's Jewish communities." Do you know this for a fact?

"BTW, did you know that her dad, a few years earlier, had supported Sidney Marcus, who was Jewish, against Andrew Young in the Atlanta mayor's race?" So what?

"So it's not even so cut and dried with him..." Sounds like you are giving him a "pass."

"This kind of thing was bullshit when it was used to stop Jesse Jackson in the Eighties(all he was guilty of was supporting a Palestinian state, which was not an antisemitic position)" Learn some history, stop using strawmen, and maybe buy a clue along the way. This red herring is pickled.


"She was never to blame for her father's remarks" Another strawman.

[Ken Burch]

85. I'm not giving him a pass.

Is there harm in admitting that the Marcus thing injects a tiny trace of ambiguity?

The article said she denounced him. Why can't you accept that as proof?

Cynthia NEVER said or did anything herself that could be taken as antisemitic. The only question was her dad, and the article proved that she disagreed with him. Why be so stubborn about refusing to admit that?

You have no reason to regard her as an antisemite.

[Behind the Aegis]

86. Seriously! Stop with the strawmen!

"You have no reason to regard her as an antisemite." How fucking plain do you want me to say this for you: "I HAVEN'T SAID SHE IS AN ANTI-SEMITE!" I asked where she denounced her father!

"Cynthia NEVER said or did anything herself that could be taken as antisemitic." And I said this where?!

"The only question was her dad, and the article proved that she disagreed with him." The article did no such thing. It said she denounced him but didn't quote it. As a matter of fact, I can't find that "denouncement" anywhere! We don't know what that 'denouncement' was.

"Is there harm in admitting that the Marcus thing injects a tiny trace of ambiguity?" "Some of his best friends are Jews." Never heard that one before. :eyes:

[Ken Burch]

87. Well, I still don't like her dad. I just thought it was curious

The Marcus thing isn't the biggest deal, I guess.

Anyway, seriously, why ISN'T it enough that the article says she denounced him. Why do you need a quote before you'll accept it as the truth? Why be a stickler over something you have no reason to be a sticker about? Clearly, Cynthia does not share her dad's views. And may I remind you that none of the Kennedy brothers ever denounced Papa Joe for what HE got up to in the war, which was far worse than anything Cynthia's dad did? If you accept that they're on the good side on this, seems to me you have to accept if of Cynthia as well.

[Behind the Aegis]

88. It doesn't matter whether you like her dad or not: red herring.

It doesn't matter if I do or don't.

"Anyway, seriously, why ISN'T it enough that the article says she denounced him." Because that is all I have seen! I have not seen ONE statement to verify this supposed denouncement, not even at rapidly anti-Semitic and/or anti-Israel sites, and surely if there was such a statement, one would think they'd have it posted.

"Why be a stickler over something you have no reason to be a sticker about? I dunno, truth? Is that good enough for you?

"And may I remind you that none of the Kennedy brothers ever denounced Papa Joe for what HE got up to in the war, which was far worse than anything Cynthia's dad did?" So, you have moved from strawmen to red herrings? Interesting.

"If you accept that they're on the good side on this, seems to me you have to accept if of Cynthia as well." That is not a logical conclusion because it is not based in logic.

[Ken Burch]

89. it's based on consistency.

There's no more reason to link Cynthia to antisemitism than there was to link the Kennedy brothers. if you accept that they disagreed with their father's remarks you have to accept that Cynthia disagrees with her father's as well. In both case, the sins of the father are the only issue. There is nothing else that remotely links Cynthia to anything antisemitic.

It's time to admit she's free of this taint, and to stop bashing a person who is not your enemy. Antisemitism is almost exclusively a right-wing thing, anyway.

[Behind the Aegis]

90. OMFG! You are FUCKING kidding me?!

"Antisemitism is almost exclusively a right-wing thing, anyway." I can't believe you'd even type that bullshit considering how long you have been here!

"It's time to admit she's free of this taint, and to stop bashing a person who is not your enemy." Then, "put up or shut up." I haven't bashed her once here; I asked a question. I guess you just couldn't leave those strawmen behind, could you!?

"There's no more reason to link Cynthia to antisemitism than there was to link the Kennedy brothers." I haven't made such a link. Stop with the damn strawmen and red herrings! Also, stop with the failed logic: "if you accept that they disagreed with their father's remarks you have to accept that Cynthia disagrees with her father's as well."

[Ken Burch]

91. Why is it failed logic?

The only reason anyone has ever had any reason to link Cynthia with antisemitism is the stupid thing her dad said, which was the exact same situation with the Kennedys. There's nothing else. If the link I posted says she denounced him, she denounced him. There's no reason for you to doubt it.

[Behind the Aegis]

92. Just admit you can't prove she denounced his anti-Semitic remarks.

Everything I have seen, inculding your article, says she denounced it but not ONE, NOT ONE, provided the comment.

"The only reason anyone has ever had any reason to link Cynthia with antisemitism is the stupid thing her dad said..." No, it isn't. (I am ignoring your red herring this go around.)

I didn't say I doubted she "denounced" him, I said I want to see the statement!

[Ken Burch]

94. If everything you've seen SAYS she's denouced it, why isn't that enough?

Are you saying that there's some conspiracy, which apparently includes Jewish progressives such as the ones who provided the link I cited, to say she did something that she didn't?

Why can't you just admit that all the things you've seen prove that I'm telling the truth and that she did denounce him?

You've got no reason to question her denounciation. If all these sources say she did, she did. You just don't want to admit you've got no reason to hate Ms. McKinney.

It's her dad, not her, and she disagreed with what she said. There's no reason for you to question that.

[Behind the Aegis]

95. I will go V-E-R-Y slowly for you.

She denounced her father's comments, supposedly. I want to see that denouncement. Is that too difficult to understand?

"My father does not speak for me."

"My father does not speak for me and I do not agree with what he said."

Both are "denouncements," but they say different things. One is a straight-forward denouncement of her father's anti-Semitic remarks, the other is simply saying he doesn't speak for her.

"You just don't want to admit you've got no reason to hate Ms. McKinney." You just don't want to admit you have NO argument and thus, must use strawmen.

[G_j]

100. I was just going to commend Skinner for allowing some threads like this to survive

because of their urgency. If you ppl keep this up, the thread could get sent away. I hope you will consider this.

thank you

[Behind the Aegis]

105. Irrelevant.

The topic of this sub-thread was anti-Semitism, not like the OP. If it gets sent to I/P it is because of the OP. If it were sent to the "Jewish forum," you'd have a point.

On edit: Who is "you people?"

[G_j]

108. ha

the two of you, on opposite sides.
and I wasn't demanding anything of anyone, just making a suggestion,
go ahead then, I'm not a a censor.

I personally don't think McKinney is an anti-Semite.
You keep asking for proof of an accusation that you are not offering proof of!
But the OP is about a current news item.

You could start a thread about McKinney and anti-Semitism.

[Behind the Aegis]

109. Isn't this a "discussion board?"

"You keep asking for proof of an accusation that you are not offering proof of! Do who what now? I am not asking for proof she is anti-Semitic. Re-read. This time for actual information.

"You could start a thread about McKinney and anti-Semitism." I could do lots of things, but discussions like this are not uncommon. As a matter of fact, this is but one sub-thread among many.

[G_j]

111. alright

I'm definitely not a nanny. I was just afraid the thread could get locked.
be my quest.


on edit,
The reason not being the topic so much as the repetitive nature of the sub-argument.
There was very little factual content.
no need to be dense.

[Behind the Aegis]

112. Though we (me and the other poster) disagree, the sub thread would be...

...more likely to "disappear" than the OP. The OP is in violation of DU rules (exceptions are made, this seems to be one).

[G_j]

113. ok, you are correct

what am i gonna say?

[Behind the Aegis]

114. Dunno. What are you gonna say?

[G_j]

115. --

your quoting back to people, is annoying,

,,,whatever..,,
:shrug:

:

[Behind the Aegis]

117. and?

[LynnTheDem]

106. Ever tried discussions with rightwingnuts?

Same shit now.

[JackRiddler]

126. When did you stop justifying the murder of Palestinian civilians?

I keep googling the phrase, but still "Behind the Aegis stops justifying the murder of Palestinian civilians" produces no result!

Based on your persistent works around DU, I've learned that there's a special standard of proof with regard to idle accusations of anti-Semitism, which is that they're proven once stated and remain so forever.

[Behind the Aegis]

147. Wow. That was wacky even for someone like you!

Almost Orwellian, but not quite as clever. Too bad you are incapable of real research in things other than 9-11.

[arikara]

72. Get off this tired old horse already

Its well past its prime.

:boring:

[emilyg]

97. beg to differ

ADL Condemns Racist, Anti-Semitic Tirades At Rep. Cynthia Mckinney's Concession Speech


Atlanta, GA, August 9, 2006 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed outrage over the incident last evening in which members of Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney's security entourage, including individuals associated with the New Black Panther Party, physically and verbally attacked members of the media, spewing racist and anti-Semitic epithets.

http://www.adl.org/PresRele/ASUS_12/4869_12.htm

"It's astonishing that in a democratic election anti-Semitism still rears its ugly head. Once again some McKinney supporters have resorted to anti-Semitism and racist language and are blaming Jews for her loss to an African-American opponent," stated Shelley Rose, ADL's Southeast Region Associate Director. "The fact that she has frequently included The New Black Panther Party -- which is perhaps the largest organized anti-Semitic and racist Black hate group in America-- in her security entourage is extremely troubling."



According to reports and video coverage, as McKinney arrived at her campaign headquarters late last night, Steve Muhammad, one of McKinney's security staff scuffled with the media and was accidentally struck by a news camera carried by a television photographer, receiving a cut on the right side of his head. Muhammad then physically lashed out at the photographer. During the scuffle, another member

[roody]

36. Got any facts?

[ShortnFiery]

99. No, only consistency is that any politician who threatens our beloved "war machine" support

of whomever (those bombs won't blow up themselves, ya know?!?), are branded "NUTS" (Cynthia McKinney, Dennis Kucinich + even right wing libertarians like Ron Paul) by the M$M and then we, the unwashed masses, are not authorized to take them seriously.

It's such a tired old meme unsupported by FACTS, but far too many people lap it up. After all, who wishes to take on the wisdom of a bunch of big, fat bloated white men who rule "corporate America." :(

[G_j]

103. right on

I couldn't have said it better.

[ShortnFiery]

107. Thank-you G_j.

I try my best. :blush:

[G_j]

110. refreshing

to hear, I mean it seems obvious and simple enough to me.
:shrug:

we can argue among ourselves, the war machine grinds on, devouring people, nations, (and souls, for that matter).
peace as a bottom line/ war as a last resort, is a lie.
It's the other way around.

[Name removed]

48. Deleted message

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

[LostinVA]

51. McKinney had never been anti-semitic, and there's a reason why people label her a "nut"

Because she wouldn't STFU and kiss ass in DC. She was TARGETED, twice for, basically, elimination. And it worked. She has been over-the-top on occasion, but NEVER a "nut." But, your saying she is shows how effective the RW smears have been against McKinney.

She has a very long history of humanitarian and civil rights advocacy and works. What in her past, pray tell, makes you declare her a scam artist?

[iandhr]

98. why is she a nut

she assaulted a capitol police officer

[ShortnFiery]

102. Yeah, I always opt for "embracing" any stranger who grabs me from behind.

Not this shit again. :eyes: I respect the vast majority of Police Officers but if ANYONE grabs me from behind, I would react "the same" as Ms. McKinney. But that's OK, far too many have been PROGRAMMED to believe that McKinney was not acting in self-defense. I believe that she was set up. :thumbsdown:

[LostinVA]

127. I don't believe you can provide any proof for that, and neither did the Caps

Why? Because she didn't do it.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

63. I knew it wouldn't be long before someone said that

:eyes:

[JustAnotherGen]

133. Yep

And people forget the Capitol Hill police have a history of being disrespectful to blacks.

But that's okay - "them ones/THAT one" - she was only a black person. :sarcasm: Therefore she must be a nut for doing what she should have done. Tried to knock him right on his ass and put him in his place. Sigh.

[Ken Burch]

69. We've proven over and over and over that she herself ISN'T an antisemite

You can't hold her dad's remarks against her. That's like holding Joe Kennedy Sr.(who was just as bad as Cynthia's dad) against Bobby.

Because of people like you, her district is now represented by a passion-free obedient nobody.

[iandhr]

96. Thank you

[Taverner]

158. She's not an anti semite

Unless you think that questioning Israel is anti Semetic...

[proud2BlibKansan]

30. Zing!

Good call.

[d_b]

45. boom!

[Career Prole]

47. He made the exact same comment

on another thread when the incident first happened. He appears to have an ax to grind. Unfortunately for him, in a credibility contest McKinney beats him hands down.

[LostinVA]

53. Yup

And, also in threads a few weeks ago. It is so interesting to me how certain posters have bought the RW smears of McKinney. I wish her "uppity"* ass was still in Congress.

*Because you know that's what her enemies call her.

[Career Prole]

58. So true. This country badly needs her kind of

"uppity".
:applause:

[LostinVA]

59. That's why even many in the Black Caucus "denounced" her

She doesn't kiss ass!

I almost voted for her in the election, because I respect her work for civil rights so much.

[ShortnFiery]

104. Excellent Point! $ and power makes all sorts of people "kiss ass." Why do you think there are ...

REPUBLICANS of all races ... the only color that matters for the wealthy and connected is GREEN.

p.s. thanks to the right leaning DLC, blue dogs, new way are in the process of turning our political system into a RIGHT WING DUOPOLY. :(

Today's average democrat often equates to moderate republican - especially if they are of the upper middle class variety.

[G_j]

116. she kicks ass

instead, ..couldn't resist, but it's true.

[JackRiddler]

128. Perhaps certain posters ARE the RW smears of McKinney?

[G_j]

16. Civilians aboard the Dignity

Civilians aboard the Dignity

(UK) Denis Healey, Captain
Captain of the Dignity, Denis has been involved with boats for 45 years, beginning with small fishing boats in Portsmouth. He learned to sail while at school and has been part of the sea ever since. He's a certified yachtmaster and has also worked on heavy marine equipment from yachts to large dredgers. This is his fourth trip to Gaza.

(Greece) Nikolas Bolos, First Mate
Nikolas is a chemical engineer and human rights activist. He has served as a crewmember on several Free Gaza voyages, including the first one in August.

(Jordan) Othman Abu Falah
Othman is a senior producer with Al-Jazeera Television. He will remain in Gaza to report on the ongoing military onslaught.

(Australia) Renee Bowyer
Renee is a schoolteacher and human rights activist. She will remain in Gaza to do human rights monitoring and reporting.

(Ireland) Caoimhe Butterly
Caoimhe is a reknowned human rights activist and Gaza Coordinator for the Free Gaza Movement. She will be remaining in Gaza to do human rights monitoring, assist with relief efforts, and work on project development with Free Gaza.


(Cyprus) Ekaterini Christodulou
Ekaterini is a well-known and respected freelance journalist in Cyprus. She is traveling to Gaza to report on the conflict.

(Sudan) Sami El-Haj
Sami is a former detainee at Guantanamo Bay, and head of the human rights section at Al-Jazeera Television. He will remain in Gaza to report on the ongoing military onslaught.

(UK) Dr.
David Halpin
Dr. Halpin is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon, medical professor, and ship's captain. He has organized humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza on several occasions with the Dove and Dolphin. He is traveling to Gaza to volunteer in hospitals and clinics.

(Germany) Dr.
Mohamed Issa
Dr. Issa is a pediatric surgeon from Germany. He is traveling to Gaza to volunteer in hospitals and clinics.

(UK/Tunisia) Fathi Jaouadi
Fathi is a television producer and human rights activist. He will remain in Gaza to do human rights monitoring and reporting.

(USA) Cynthia McKinney
Cynthia is a former U.S. Congresswoman from Georgia, and the 2008 Green Party presidential candidate. She is traveling to Gaza to assess the ongoing conflict.

(Cyprus) Martha Paisi
Martha is a senior research fellow and experienced human rights activist. She is traveling to Gaza to do human rights work and to assist with humanitarian relief efforts.


(UK) Karl Penhaul
Karl Penhaul is a video correspondent for CNN, based out of Bogotá, Colombia. Appointed to this position in February 2004, he covers breaking news around the world utilizing CNN's new laptop-based 'Digital Newsgathering' system. He is traveling to Gaza to report on the ongoing conflict.

(Iraq) Thaer Shaker
Thaer is a cameraman with Al-Jazeera television. He will remain in Gaza to report on the ongoing military onslaught.

(Cyprus) Dr.
Elena Theoharous, MP
Dr. Theoharous is a surgeon and a Member of the Cypriot Parliament. She is traveling to Gaza to assess the ongoing conflict, assist with humanitarian relief efforts, and volunteer in hospitals.

[ensho]

20. don't forget the man who was at gitmo for 6 yrs. being on the boat too

nt

[EFerrari]

29. Sami al Haj. He nearly died in Gitmo. What an amazing man. n/t

[peacetalksforall]

125. IWantAnyDem = what a horrible and unsupported thing to say about McKinney.

And where do you get that she is a SPOKESWOMAN?

She told her side of the story.

I believe the spokespersons were the reporters, but in Europe they are the many Europeans who were on the boat.

Your remark is in the depths for those of us on DU who admire her. I AM HAPPY that we had someone who could take the mike and tell the story.

Was she wrong to go on a medical aid mission?

[Name removed]

4. Deleted message

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

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

5. Maybe Trying To Force One's Way Through An Israeli Blockade Isn't The Brightest Thing To Do?

:shrug:

[madokie]

6. Isreal needs to be dealt with on a level playing ground

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

7. ...

:eyes:

[Andre II]

11. International waters?

Based on which right can Israel military ram a boat in internationl waters?

[dixiegrrrrl]

23. USS Pueblo. remember?

[proud2BlibKansan]

32. USS Liberty as well

[soulcore]

21. Maybe setting up blockades in international waters is the problem?

:shrug:

[proud2BlibKansan]

31. Which part of international waters do you suppose Israel doesn't get?

:shrug:

[nadinbrzezinski]

37. What part of exclusion zone are you not getting?

this is SOP in warzonees. hell, some of the ones we have set RECENTLY, have created problems with navigation

Exclusion Zones are legal. Running a blockade can get you sunk, very legally mind you

Wanna bet they aren't gonna take this to the Admiralty Court since it could cost the Captain and First Mate their license?

[EFerrari]

42. What is the legal underpinning for the Israeli claim?

[Name removed]

54. Deleted message

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

[Thothmes]

57. Probably close to the same ones that JFK

used to order a blockade of the Cuba. A blockade is only illegal if you have sufficient naval power to break it.

[tabasco]

134. LOL. Civilian boats with relief supplies = Soviet ships with nuclear missiles.

Try again.

[Ken Burch]

83. There's no good reason to defend the IDF on this.

This was an innocent relief mission. There's no way a CNN correspondent would have ridden on a boat filled with arms for Hamas.

And remember, if Netanyahu wins, all Israeli gays will lose their rights. There's no such thing as a gay-friendly hawk.

[Hippo_Tron]

121. I would hope that nobody on DU actually supports Netanyahu

But remember that part of the reason the Kadima-Labour government is dropping bombs in Gaza is so that Likud doesn't win the elections.

[1monster]

41. Maybe being in International waters should have made them immune to this kind of

attack?

But, then, it isn't as though the Israeli government hasn't ignored international law regarding International waters before either. Remember the USS Liberty?

If not, then I suggest you Google, Dog Pile, ASK.com, Ask Jeeves, or any other search engine to find out about it.

[DeSwiss]

43. Why yes....

...by all means. Blockades should always be respected. No matter what the price.



- Right?

K&R

[ooglymoogly]

49. You can make this statement knowing the slaughter and

the desperate need for medicine and doctors that is happening in Gaza? You have a who cares attitude, they do not.

[MadMaddie]

50. Maybe not but why is Israel blocking aid to the Palestinians

not involved in attacking them?

Yes, Israel has the right to protect itself but does it have the right to starve the innocents in Palestine?

You can call Cynthia McKinney a nut but you can't call her a coward.

Again the US media is not telling the whole story and bothe sides of the story we should be concerned about that.

[Ken Burch]

71. It's perfectly acceptable when you know that that blockade is morally wrong.

It was obvious that the Dignity wasn't bringing weapons.

[robcon]

8. The lesson: Someone watches over the stupid.

There are easier ways to bring supplies (if, in the unlikely case, that was their objective) other than running a blockade.

I think they achieved their purpose, though - martyrdom, or near-martyrdom.

[burythehatchet]

10. I love when Keyboard Commandos pass judgement on people who have been

working to actually do good.

[EFerrari]

25. I know. It's hilarious. It reminds me of freakers when they criticized DU

for raising Andy's money. Down to the very same words.

Cynthia did great! And I've so much respect for Sami al Haj. He's tremendous. :shrug:

[iconicgnom]

40. It's the same DUers who applauded Israel's 2006 destruction of Lebanon.

The same shallow arguments, the same disdain. When I see the names I just take a pass over the crap inside -- it's a waste of time.

[arikara]

73. I might be fool enough engage them once or twice until

I remember to put them on ignore. I can't stand their ignorant rantings and r/w talking points being spewed over and over.

[Andre II]

12. And what would these easier ways be

for bringing medical supply to Gaza?

[oberliner]

15. Physicians for Human Rights-Israel

With a medical system already on the verge of collapse as a result of the ongoing closure, 1.4 million civilians are in desperate need of urgent medical help from outside the Gaza Strip.

PHR-Israel has the means to transfer this help within days and is seeking to raise 700,000 USD during the next week for purchase and direct transfer of supplies to Gaza hospitals.

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/SHIG-7MSEN5?OpenDocument

[LeftishBrit]

18. Seconded

Other organizations involved in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and taking donations, include:

www.savethechildren.org

www.oxfam.org.uk

www.mercycorps.org

www.islamic-relief.com

[Andre II]

19. Thanks for the info

and thanks to Oberliner as well.

[Luminous Animal]

22. The organization that invited McKinney,

FreeGaza.org, had already had several successful humanitarian missions going back to August 2008. There was no reason to think that this humanitarian mission would be blocked when the others were not.

[nadinbrzezinski]

38. Let me see

here is the list of organizations

Physicians for Human Rights Israel

the Dubai Government

The ICRC

the UNHCR

Doctors without Borders...

I could go on...

By the way... all of these organziation do have a clue and bring those supplies under protected flags or flags of truce.

[EFerrari]

26. No, one of their aims was getting airtime. And they succeeded very well.

This was a great use of Cynthia's ability to summon the media.

[JackRiddler]

145. More like: the lazy and corrupt get to call the courageous stupid.

Oh, and since you're so smart: please enlighten us as to the easier ways to bring anything into the locked down prison territory known as Gaza.

[aikoaiko]

14. Seeking publicity through the creation of drama to make a point is what McKinney does well.

I nominate her for this year's DQ award.

[ooglymoogly]

138. Your angry beef seems to be that this fascistic act has been found out and has an adversarial voice

in Cynthia. These things should be kept off the radar..."Mission of mercy rammed to the point of sinking". These are not good headlines for any neocon government trying to appear sane.

[aikoaiko]

139. My "beef" is that I think this was a strategic publicity stunt meant to serve McKinney more than

the people in Gaza.

[ooglymoogly]

140. How convenient.....surly you could have figured out a more

plausible argument. When good folks do good things there will always be those who will find clouds and see only tarnish on a silver lining.

[EFerrari]

24. Very well done. K&R

[Forkboy]

28. No need to post anything from the article. The knee jerkers will never see past her name.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

33. Thank you Cynthia...

and everyone onboard the Dignity.

[roody]

39. K and R for Cynthia.

[Greenheron]

44. AJC

Cynthia Mckinney was railroaded by the Atlanta Journal Constitution when she began to question some things about 911.
And yes, she made some connections with the Neo Cons and Israel(How can you not?)This cost her an election as money poured in from all over the country (thanks to AIPAC) for her challenger Denise Majette.
Pretty simple formula in my view.

[EFerrari]

46. Not to mention, her district votes on touch screens

and the trouble reports were flying starting early that morning.

[roody]

61. They have a type of primary that allows Repugs to vote Dem.

See DVD "American Blackout"

[ooglymoogly]

52. A mighty KR for Cynthia and sanity.

I hope you run again and I will support you.

[Joe the Revelator]

65. The words "Cynthia" and "Sanity" should never be used in the same sentence

[ooglymoogly]

135. I think you got that wrong; By your post it has to be ...its;

Wolsh and sanity oft times may not be used in the same sentence".

[Name removed]

55. Deleted message

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

[KoKo]

60. .....

[MasonJar]

66. I find ir hard to believe that this courageous enterprise is being denounced

on DU of all places. Thank you for the list of the incredibly brave and exceedingly credible citizens of the world who were set on this humanitarian effort. Bah humbug to those who disparage their attempt while sitting comfortably in front of their computers. These are doctors and activists and journalists who care. Kudos to them!!!!!!!!!!!! This action by Israel is the result of Bush and his failure of diplmacy in the region. The man never spent any time bringing about a solution to anything. His best day in office was the day he caught a big fish. Those in the know warned not to push for elections in Gaza because it was evident Hamas would win. But Bush nonetheless insisted; win they did. Then he and Israel refused to recognize and work with the democratically elected government. Perhaps if they had, it would have been marginally acceptable. As in all his policies, BUSH PROMOTED CONFLICT. Now once again innocents are dead and Israel is ready to become more militant and Bush is off to the world of money. May he burn in HELL.

[Greyhound]

118. Why do you find it hard to believe? Look at who is doing the denouncing.

It is the same people, with the same aspersions time after time.

Democratic does not equal liberal/progressive.

[Moochy]

137. Yep its the same posters

"Conservative" Democrats who support every action by the right wingers in charge of Israel at the moment.

[MasonJar]

67. This is my third and last attempt to comment on this post so it will be brief.

Kudos to the courageous and varied citizens of the world who tried to assist with humanitarian aid. Bah humbug to DUers who sit in their comfortable chairs behind their computers and criticize these activists, doctors and humanitarians. And double bah humbug to a Bushista group who never tried diplomacy and increased terror in the world.

[orleans]

119. 3rd and last attempt? i see this attempt and one other. where is the 3rd?

and i agree w/what you just said. no one promotes terrorism better than that fuckhead we have sleeping in the white house right now.

[Time for change]

68. What an incredible story!

My worst political disappointment in 2006 was when McKinney lost her House seat for the second time.

[Divine Discontent]

76. on this issue - no one should be upset at her actions who is a progressive. eom

[TexasObserver]

78. I wish the US would quit using the term "rogue state."

If it isn't applied to Israel, it shouldn't be applied to any state. They are lawless in matters of international conduct. Some of us can still recall the USS Liberty, and nothing has changed in the 40 plus years since that happened.

[Occam Bandage]

93. That nutbag? The one who thinks Katrina was a conspiracy to execute 5,000 people?

lol.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1928898/mckinney_reveals_5_000_katrina_murders/

[ShortnFiery]

101. Wow! The "bottom line" was the same. But you know it's "complicity" - bot REAL and VILE. eom

[orleans]

120. you're being flip about what mckinney said about that?

wtf?

do you believe bush intended to do all he could for nola?

you actually believe he wanted to save them?

HA!

i guess he's *your* president--go ahead and stand by him.

maybe he'll play you a song...

[Occam Bandage]

141. Somehow I don't think "Bush didn't do shit" is the same as

"The Nat'l Guard secretly lined up and executed 5,000 prisoners, then covered it up."

[orleans]

143. is that what she said? n/t

[Statistical]

144. Pretty close....

"I had a mother call me because her son had a gruesome task. Her son's task by the Department of Defense was to process 5000 bodies that had received a single bullet wound to the head. Her son was afraid to talk because her son signed a silence agreement so he only complained to his mother. The data for these individuals was entered into a pentagon computer and then the bodies dumped in a swamp. This is a result of the tragedy of Katrina. I also have information from insiders who wish to remain anonymous at the red cross. This is true. I suspect these were prisoners and this investigation of the prison and industrial complex ... it should not end of what is the nature of prisons in our country but these 5000 souls need justice too." - Cynthia McKinney

[orleans]

148. omg--is there a link for that? n/t

[Statistical]

149. See post #93. I just roughly transcribed from the video. It is also all over youtube (n/t)

[orleans]

159. it's bizarre--it's outrageous--but has anyone checked this out to make

certain that it didn't happen? she said she suspected this was done to male prisoners. are we certain it wasn't? this video is dated at the end of september (3 months ago)--i haven't heard a thing about this.

[Hippo_Tron]

122. Yea I wonder if she thinks Al Gore's negro tolerance level has improved recently

:eyes:

[ecstatic]

131. ACTUALLY, she was partly right. Have you been watching the news?

Some of the executions that she spoke of did occur, except the blame is being laid on white homeowners.

[Occam Bandage]

142. "Some people maybe shot people" is not "The ARNG lined up and shot 5,000 people and covered it up."

[antimatter98]

123. Al Jazeera English's live coverage of Gaza at this link.

http://english.aljazeera.net/

click on 'watch now' in upper left corner of the above page.

Note: AJE is mainly staffed and managed by ex BBC reporters/managers who worked
for the defunct BBC Arabic Service TV channel. It is not the same as AJ-Arabic.

[NaturalHigh]

124. Aren't her fifteen minutes up yet?

I thought the only people who still paid attention to Cynthia were the editors of Counterpunch.

[JackRiddler]

130. That's funny, it's closer to 15 years and counting.

And your stuff doesn't even qualify as bullshit.

[ecstatic]

129. Funny how people say Obama isn't liberal enough, yet the so called

far left liberals are always bashed on this site. There's a weird disconnect in so many minds.

[ooglymoogly]

136. If protecting and trying to lift up the least protected and downtrodden means

far left; Count me in. You can tell by the answers on this great OP how many dino's and trolls frequent this board trying their best to pull it to the right. Whatever right of center or far left means in these propagandistic times of fantastic hyperbole. Honesty,honor and abiding by the law have become a distant memory

[Cid_B]

146. There aren't as many as you think...

... I think the general response to kooky McKinney is a very general breakdown of how the Dem party views her and when a significant ( possible majority ) portion of your party thinks you are a crazy self aggrandizing holier-than-thou "I'm better than the rules" wacko...

It is easy to see how she lost her senate seat and surprising how long she kept it.

Might I also add in her "exploits" since her dismissal have only added to her reputation of wackiness.

[ooglymoogly]

150. A fool and his self professed knowledge of a thing of which he knows nothing, are soon parted

How bout a nice glass of kool-aid to wash down that hook line and sinker. They can be toxic.

[Cid_B]

151. Right...

"I'm not crazy, it's the rest of the world"

Seriously, a large portion of the posts in this thread all talk about how they perceive her to be nuts and she was recently voted out of office but... oh noes! Its da Freepers and da TroLLs!!11!!

Maybe a bunch of Dems just think she is bat-shit nuts. Ever consider that one?

[fascisthunter]

152. you would like us to believe there are more of you

than us who defend McKinney and liberals in general. You fail to prove that....

[Cid_B]

155. There was enough to kick her happy butt out....

Guess that was enough eh?

[ooglymoogly]

156. Yes there were enough hypocrites and right wing corporate media hype

and election fraud to railroad her out of office...sorry to here that you were a part of all that and that you are posting on this board. It is not difficult to see where you are coming from and it ain't purdy.

[Cid_B]

157. If everyone who didn't idolize that "lady" was kicked from this board...

... well you wouldn't have many more playmates would you. So be careful what you wish for.

[JackRiddler]

154. You don't even know which house of Congress she was in.

[fascisthunter]

153. Thank You for Posting This and Thank You McKinney

for speaking out again.