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Posted by Miriam on 2005-12-21 17:30:29 +0000

I'm with that guy! Can't believe the leader of Iran is still blaming the Jews for all his problems. One commentator on the BBC actually said that Israel is the arch-enemy/nemisis of Iran. Are they kidding?!

Posted by tgl on 2005-12-21 17:53:39 +0000

Iran is a bigger threat to the US than any salivated-over and false connection between Iraq and al-Qaida.

These people are way closer to having nukes than Hussein ever was, and they've got a nutjob for President. Oh wait...

Posted by Miriam on 2005-12-21 20:30:39 +0000

He's pulling out words from Khomeni.

I think he's trying to divert attention from real topics in his country...kind of like the stupid debate over whether science is science or if there was divine intervention into our existence.

Posted by Travis on 2005-12-22 09:44:12 +0000

ahh - but it will be Israeli warplanes (paid for by US taxpayers) that bomb Iran when Dubya gives the order won't it? I would say that calling the people who are very obviously going to bomb your country your arch enemies is fair

Im no fan of the Iranian regime but call a spade a spade

Posted by Null Protocol on 2005-12-22 12:30:02 +0000

caveat:
be sure when you're calling a spade a spade that you use inclusive language...LOL

Posted by Miriam on 2005-12-22 14:40:34 +0000

Are you sure that the planes are all paid for by the US? Israelis pay something like 50-55% income tax. Also, if the US is really paying for the planes, why blame the middleman? Why not blame the US directly?

In any case, it's still just a cover for the immediate problems in Iran. He's trying to divert attention from the real issues.

Posted by Travis on 2005-12-22 16:15:41 +0000

but what is the immediate problem in Iran? I know many Iranians living in London and I do quite a bit of day to day business with Iranian companies. From every Iranian I speak to the biggest problem they feel they face is that America / Israel is about to bomb them. They have grown up with the Mullahs and have learned to deal with them, its foreign powers dropping HE on there family and friends thats really scary

as for the finance:
According to US govt figures Israel has a population of 6,276,883 of which 63.7% of the population are aged 15-64. there is 10.7% unemployment and 18% of the population lives in poverty. The US government pegs the working population of Israel at 2.68 million (CIA World Factbook)

The Israeli government puts the average wage at 83,568 NIS per year which at todays mid market rate is $18,176.28 per year

this gives an income to the working population of: $48,712,430,400

at a tax rate of say 55% this gives an income to the treasury of $26,791,836,720 - thats TOTAL income tax revenue to support the whole state infrastructure - not just defence

an F15 fighter aircraft costs approx $35 million - Israel has 25 - thats just under a billion on one type of aircraft alone - rather expensive toys for a working population the size of Manchester

I am not an antisemitic (or a victim of what the ADL call "creeping antisemitism) I am just incensed that Israel is being allowed to build Berlin walls mk II / bulldose people houses / destroy any chance of the Palestinians ever having a viable state WHILST otherwise rational people defend them at the drop of a hat.

I belive there has to be a recognition that one can be strongly opposed to the Israeli state and their policies / crimes against humanity without being "anti jew"

anyway - just my 2 shekkels

have a great Christmas / Hanukkah / Eid / Winter solstice everyone

Posted by Miriam on 2005-12-22 16:37:20 +0000

There's a big Persian community here in Nashville, mostly Jewish, and I haven't asked them what they're concerned about in Iran. I'm guessing their happier not being there. Although, I've heard that several are nervous about the government's ability to provide aid to those effected by the earthquake this Fall. Seems like a much more pertinent issue...and a much more realistic one in terms of the lives of citizens.

In terms of Israelis and Palestinians, I'm not going to get into that with you. I, too, disagree with many things the Israeli government does. That being said, I feel safer in Israel than just about anywhere else. That may be because I'm Jewish and have endured hatred my whole life because of my religion, or it may be because I know the government gives a shit about me, even though I'm not a citizen (which I seriously considered becoming when I was 17). I am hoping to retire there, and will always defend the right of Israel to exist. Okay, I guess I just got into it...but now I have to go back to work...for the Jewish community in Nashville...where part of my job is to encourage teenagers to travel to Israel.

Posted by dawnbixtler on 2005-12-22 16:54:33 +0000

Iran was named in Bush's "axis of evil". I would be worried about being bombed by the US if I lived in Iran. I don't know if Israel would colaborate. They didn't help the US much with Iraq...

Posted by G lib on 2005-12-22 17:53:34 +0000

here here, Trav!

Posted by Miriam on 2005-12-22 18:59:10 +0000

I think Bush has learned a lot from the dictators he's been trying to overthrow and the nations he's trying to teach democracy to...like how to terrify his nation and become an all-powerful leader who can hold you without charging you or letting anyone speak to you. In South America I think they called that disappearing someone.