Israel/Gaza: Calling all UK forum members.

There is a petition on the Downing Street website, calling for sanctions on Isreal, in light of the recent 'dissproportionate' military action, undertaken by the IDF in Gaza. This has resulted, to date in the death of around 900 Palestinians; a large percentage of which have been children.

Here is a link to the petitiion, for those who wish to sign:

Sanctions for Israel?

I realise this is an emotive topic, and this is not intended to start a sh!tstorm on this forum, but an opportunity for those who wish to express their disgust at Israels overwhelming cruelty, to do so officially.

We all know the arguments for and against the Israeli action. I happen to fall on the 'against' side of the fence.


Note: I am in no way anti-Semitic. I respect Israels right to defend itself and wholly condemn the rocket attacks on it's civillians.

Edited by Blacksword - January 14 2009 at 07:07

An appalling mis-appropriation of force by Israel  ....... will sign for sanctions .

Edited by mystic fred - January 12 2009 at 06:31

Raff, sadly yes, you do have to be resident in the UK to sign this particualr petition.

Blacksword wrote: Note: I am in no way anti-Semitic. I respect Israels right to exist and condemn the rocket attacks on it's civillians.

You're smart to make such a disclaimer.  Unfortunately, some confuse denunciation of Israeli state action with bigotry against Jews.  But then again, this sort of manufactured confusion is all too familiar:  in the US, those who disapprove of some of their government's policies are condemned as anti-American.  It really is the language of fascism: the identification of state policy with patriotism.

A second point:  the concept of "Israel's right to exist" is, quite frankly, bizarre (I realize that it's the popular terminology, and I'm not criticizing you for using it).  What does it mean to have the "right to exist"?  Either a nation exists or it does not exist.  Of course, the legitimacy of particular state may be contested (a somewhat moot question, though, since most states are illegitimate); but this point has no bearing on the "right to exist."

no matter whom the violence comes from, Palestinians or Israelis, it always hits the "wrong" (meaning "non-responsible") people. yet I agree that the Israeli reaction is disproportionate; they should at least accept a temporary ceasefire

Henry Plainview wrote: Has an online petition ever done anything?   Just curious.

Probably not, for an issue of this magnitude. But, it's one of the few ways the electorate can express their strong feelings. It does no harm. It has to be better than saying nothing.

^ in a Democratic society  (or other) any form of protest is extremely viable, thousands of Institutions, Countries and laws exist today because of people protesting and signing petitions - eg Trade Unions (the Tolpuddle Martyrs), Protection laws, Hygiene laws, Safety laws, changes of Government (Revolution), American Independence,  Votes for Women.....

Edited by mystic fred - January 12 2009 at 15:38

If you do nothing, nothing will happen.

Syzygy wrote: If you do nothing, nothing will happen. Take 60 seconds out of your life to add your name and there is a possibility, however remote, that something will happen.   I know which odds I think look better.

I'd sign but, I am not in the UK and I guess some of my money is invested those attacks anyways?