[Rat]

For homework, my class had to make up five questions about current events and then have one of our parents answer them. I discovered tonight that my mom is fairly opinionated and has plenty of facts to back up all/most of what she says.

Here are my questions and her answers:

quote:

---

1) What do you think of the situation in the Middle East?

A) The situation in the Middle East is extremely complex and there is no easy solution. The Palestinians were displaced from their homes and decades of resentment have led many to take desperate and ill-conceived violent action in an attempt to regain what they have lost.

The Israelis have been under attack from all sides since the country's inception in 1948. Many Arab states deny their right to exist as a Nation and the history of world persecution against the Jews have made them understandably defensive and independent.

I do not believe that the Israeli government would support the current Military action against Yasser Arafat and the Palestinians without evidence of his complicity in terrorist activity against Israel.

2)Do you believe that Gordon Campbell is doing a good job? Explain your answer.

A)While I think the Gordon Campbell government is faced with a very challenging situation in B.C. and that there are some difficult decisions to be made in an attempt to remedy the existing problems, I feel the changes being implemented are being introduced too quickly and without adequate research and consultation.

3) What do you think of the American levy on softwood lumber?

A) This issue has gone before the World Trade Organization tribunal on more than one occasion and each time Canada has been shown to be in the right. The American levy on softwood lumber is wrong. Also, I feel that the softwood lumber industry in B.C. and the Maritimes was poorly served by the Canadian government which chose not to get involved in negotiations with the Americans until the industry in Quebec was in jeopardy even though they were well aware that the existing softwood lumber agreement was about to expire.

4) Do you think Svend Robinson should be in the Middle East meeting with Yasser Arafat? Explain your answer.

A) No, I don't believe Svend Robinson should be in the Middle East in a show of solidarity with Yasser Arafat. He is an elected official and, as such, is obliged to represent the views of his constituency. I'm sure there are many in his riding who do not support his stance on this issue.

5) Do you think Canada is over-influenced by the Americans? Explain your answer.

A) Yes, I believe Canada is over-influenced by the US. It has become especially easy for American culture to insert itself on Canadians through TV, film, music, sports, the Internet, etc. Also, I don't think the Canadian media does enough to promote uniquely Canadian culture. Economically, Canadian trends follow the American.

---

There's a lot there. My fingers ache from typing it all up. I was smart enough to get her to write it all down, though.

[ April 08, 2002: Message edited by: Rat ]

[Freddio]

The Arab Istaeli conflict has been raging for thousands of years.

Your Mum has some interesting thoughts.

[Awetopsy_MIA]

the arab-isreali conflict is said to have its roots from father abraham. your mum seems to be pretty smart, good and interesting points she makes. I agree about Svend Robinson.

[ April 08, 2002: Message edited by: Awetopsy_MIA ]

[[Shizo]]

Womens' opinions don't matter! They should all wear burquas like they do in normal Muslim countries from the beginning of times and descent of Mohammed on Earth.

[Rat]

It's a good thing mom didn't hear that. If you were here and you said that, she'd be squaking facts at you before you could say "just kidding." Then she'd force you to say either that or "I'm sorry." She might also make you mow the lawn or clean the mouse cage.

And think, she's only 4'11"!

EDIT: Yes, I have 3 mice and 2 rats.

[ April 08, 2002: Message edited by: Rat ]

[[Shizo]]

pop :0

[Irfan Yunia]

The Arab-Israeli conflict has not been going on for thousands of years, it started in 1948 when Israel was created on Arab Land. The holocaust did not take place in Arab or Muslim countries but in Christian Europe. The Palestinians have had to pay the price for centuries of European anti-Semitism.

Let me ask you this, if somebody came into your home and your town and said that God promised them this land 5000 years ago, how would you respond?

[jr]

first i would hold a huge grudge for many many decades, then i would blow up their children and force them to leave. afterwards, i will wait for my 70 something virgins.

there is fault in both sides.

[Irfan Yunia]

The statistics are simple, for every Israeli death there are 10 Palestinians killed.

Whether they are killed by a suicide bomber or a helicopter gunship, a death is a death.

[Duckman2]

The Palestinians, while they have a legit cause have been going about it in a most unproductive fashion. Instead of trying to educate its people and making itself into a viable state, they educate their children to strap explosives to themselves. What kind of future does that leave their society with? The Palestinians and the people of middle eastern countries in general have been victims of several things. Some of those things have come from outside sources, the biggest problems however are the people that lead them. The oil producing nations like Saudi Arabia use the oil money to fund their lavish life styles and to pay off fundamentalists so they don't suffer backlash for dealing with the United States. The people are getting screwed from all sides and don't even realize it. I'm not saying that Isreal is without fault though, this current military offensive isn't helping anybody, and the total humiliation of innocent Palestinians doesn't bode well. There are peaceful ways to rectify this issue but it seems that they would rather duke it out and see who blinks first.

[[666]Flat]

"I do not believe that the Israeli government would support the current Military action against Yasser Arafat and the Palestinians without evidence of his complicity in terrorist activity against Israel."

It's not "the Palestininans" who are responsible for the
acts of terror but some fundamental organisations founded by Palestinians and even if there was any kind of evidence it wouldn't be "the Palaestinians" the Israeli government would have to take counter measures against but those foundations. What the Isreali actually do is causing death and suffer throughout civilian population which will not result in any solution of the conflict between the Palestinians and the Isrealis but lead to a fucking war in which several countries could be involved in in no time. Remember, the countries around Israel are all islamic and those actions don't have anything to do with the fight against terror but are acts of terror themselves. Could get tricky down there. I think sweeping judgements like "the Palestinians" (that means all of 'em) would be causing any terrorism are responsible for the every day barbarism we're seeing.

[ April 11, 2002: Message edited by: [666]Flat ]