I shouldn't have to read titles like this -- Israelies ram Gaza relief boat carrying former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney -- with an angry smiley face beside it, no less, at sites like Stormfront. Meanwhile at Democratic Underground, it's all 'gays versus blacks', all the time.
(This photo posted by Stormfronter Robert, who created the thread.)
But thank to you to all here at Daily Kos who have mentioned this story before I saw it just now, tonight.
Robert sources CNN: "Gaza relief boat damaged in encounter with Israeli vessel"
CNN correspondent Karl Penhaul was aboard the 60-foot pleasure boat Dignity when the contact occurred. When the boat later docked in the Lebanese port city of Tyre, severe damage was visible to the forward port side of the boat, and the front left window and part of the roof had collapsed. It was flying the flag of Gibraltar.
The Dignity was carrying crew and 16 passengers -- physicians from Britain, Germany and Cyprus and human rights activists from the Free Gaza Solidarity Movement -- who were trying to reach Gaza through an Israeli blockade of the territory. Also on board was former U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney.
-- Should the Dignity have flown the flag of Gibraltar? Those in the know about how these things work, why would it have done that? What is Gibraltar's relationship with Israel?
-- Is announcing one's intentions (giving warning) standard protocol, when ramming someone who is trying to breach your blockade; or is one allowed to ram/destroy without announcement if you have control of a blockade?
-- Would Israel have tried to destroy the boat and everybody on it no matter whose flag was flown? Is that just life Because from the same CNN article:
The captain of the Dignity told Penhaul he received no warning. Only after the collision did the Israelis come on the radio to say they struck the boat because they believed it was involved in terrorist activities, the captain said.
Stormfronter Werewolfblood states only about the ramming "That was a muscle flex."
Stormfronter Achille states: "It's only fair that the jews be equal opportunity terrorists. It's great that McKinney mentions the USS Liberty. Click on "Watch Cynthia McKinney discuss the collision." But that part of what she says of course will never be played on TV or mentioned in the papers. And you will never hear Obongo mention the USS Liberty. That's for sure." So, ignoring the anti-semitism (and racism, ie 'obongo') expected of a Stormfronter, why wouldn't what McKinney said be played on TV or mentioned in papers? In clicking on the link provided by CNN, they play their CNN correspondent's retelling of exactly what happened (and how no one on the boat believes it was an acceident no matter what Israel says), before playing a SECOND videotape, this one of Cynthia McKinney. Some of her remarks:
(To President-Elect Obama) "Say something please about the humanitarian crisis as experienced .... by the people of Gaza"
"Stop sending weapons of mass destruction around the world"
"The weapons that are being used by Israel are weapons that have been supplied by the United States government"
"There was another boat that was attacked by the Israelis and that was the USS Liberty" (this is the point at which the anchor really starts trying to talk over her, she begans to say that others may want us to forget but she hasn't forgotten about it)
"What happened to us last night was a direct threat to our mission but not our cause" (there are no closing comments and no thanks to McKinney or from McKinney for her time, it just stops after this comment)
Someone can probably post a full transcript of McKinney's comments tonight. And I haven't forgotten the USS Liberty either, McKinney. So, I guess I can wait until the paper tomorrow or Friday (since Thursday is a holiday) to see whether or not Achille is right or wrong about what will or will not be reported of McKinney's comments.
I'm glad everyone is alive who was on the 'Dignity'. This could have been a true tragedy. And I like that McKinney doesn't try to make this out to be as harrowing or more harrowing than what the people currently being bombed are going through. Her opening and closing comments per the video say exactly what matters most, and I think it's a good thing -- the people she and her passengers were trying to help. Not hate. Not blame. Aid to people first.