In the aftermath of President Barack Obama's speech in Cairo, Egypt there are many things that happened and are currently happening. Frankly I and a few of my colleagues expected these issues to raise sooner or later. On June 3rd during his Middle East trip I received a letter from the White House and Obama in response to a previous letter I sent him concerning the Israel/Palestine issue. I stated that I looked forward to working together to solve the conflict. In his June 3rd reply he stated that now was "the time to work together" and I was ready to give it. However, on the 4th Obama stated in his speech that Israeli settlements in the West Bank would no longer be tolerated by the US. This stance I believe is "politically understandable" similar to what one journalist stated in Haaretz, because by showing that there is no favouritism given to Israel then that opens up real communication with other countries that are against Israel and think the US is bias on the subject of Israel. In addition, Obama stated in both his Cairo speech and restated in his Moscow speech that the days of one nation suppressing another nation are over. So from an outsiders perspective in the case of Israel when Israeli settlements are established within the UN set borders of the Palestinian people then those settlements are consider like an invasion and violation of a UN policy... and so must be removed. Obama has currently taken the position to reset Israel/ Palestinian borders to the original UN borders and also making Jerusalem an internationally or UN controlled city. This concepts comes from the Crusaders era when Jerusalem was established to be a Christian focus-point city (as displayed in most Byzantine and later European explorer maps of the area).
On June 3rd protesters in Israel gathered in front of the US Embassy in Jerusalem to speak against stopping settlement construction in the West Bank and shouted how Obama is anti-Semitic. I personally agree that settlement construction shouldn't be halted in the West Bank (I support Netanyahu's actions of approving new settlement construction and in a moment I will go into why the idea of halting settlements from a Torah view is out of the question), yet trying to accuse Obama of being anti-Semitic because he has an anti-settlement view isn't fair and more importantly is a contradiction because Obama's views on the subject came from both the Jewish advisors in his administration and a few Jewish foreign policy organizations in Israel that are promoting the idea of a West Bank Palestinian State. I think that people should remember that not too long ago PM Arial Sharon and President Bush were moving the very same plan across the table in Israel.... Obama is just considering if it should be continued. (I'm hoping that you will help me answer to him a NO! But also give another idea that could solve this conflict).
My communications with the US President have shown one consistency from him... he will only promote an idea that is supported by both the Israelis and Palestinians. So because the current idea of a Palestinian State in the West Bank is supported by both Israelis and Palestinians then that is what the US President will support. However, on the 7th of June I sent a letter to President Obama and the White House to express my opposition to his statement on Israeli settlements and to ask that he keep an open mind to other potential solutions to the two-state concept. One idea I requested that he review is the two-state solution proposed by Rabbi Howshua Amariel in which the Palestinian State would be setup in extended borders of the current Gaza strip and the West Bank area would be dissolved fully into the State of Israel. Within this proposal is the idea of fully helping setup a financial independent system for the Palestinian people.
On June 14th after Netanyahu's response to Obama's speech, I did an interview with Baruch Spier on Rusty Mike Radio.com in Jerusalem on my opinion of Obama's speech and the state solution concepts. I stated to Mr. Spier the same thing that I said to President Obama in my reply to him. I believe that his speech was very necessary for the Moslem world to hear and it was given in a way that only Barack Obama as president of the United States could have done. I think in that moment it was made clear to all those that supported or didn't support Obama why he was the right choice for the job. However, in the interview I also said that I didn't agree with the President's tough stance against settlements in the West Bank. In fact the promotion of a Palestinian state within the West Bank is only a temporary fix to a problem that goes much more deep than Obama is realizing. If we will solve this conflict it must be done showing a sincere respect for all religions involved rather than ignore them.... as if they don't matter when to every party involved they do. This conflict is based out of a religious concept rooted in the very essence of who the Jewish people are.
Ben-amen Netanyahu recently allowed for settlement constructions to continue in the West Bank.... WHY? For those of you who do not know this year is a Jubilee Year. The Jubilee year comes out of the Torah and basically states that every 50 years regardless of if one has sold there land or it was taken it is required that they or their relatives come back to reclaim it (either by purchase or force). Right now in Israel all sorts of properties are in review for future construction settlement projects and settlements within the West Bank are not excluded.
I find it funny that history has a habit of repeating and it seems that all of the usual players are in this same scenario today as was 2000 to 3000 years ago; a foreign Empire (US and European Union)..., the Jewish people....., and the Philistines (Keep in mind that in Arabic they don't call these people Palestinians... they call them Philistines and have done some for centuries.) The fact of the matter is that since the time of Joshua the Philistines have existed in the land... they were never conquered.. nor should they have been (they should only been kept out of the borders of the land of Israel).
If we review the history of the children of Israel and the Jewish people when it came to this land it is very clear that there is a pattern. Aside from the original possession of the land by Joshua and Israel; when Israel came from Babylon they rebuilt so much of their former land to the end that their neighbours wrote to the Emperor warning against Israel's habit of reclaiming their territory. This same pattern happened during Alexander the Great's reign and the Roman Empire's reign to the point that after 100AD Jews were restricted from the entire Judean area by Emperor Hadrian of Rome for this same fear incited by our Philistine neighbours. Yet that never stopped the Jewish people from returning time after time again to the land. Why? The Jubilee Year... So the idea of the UN that somehow the Jewish people will now forget this part of ourselves I think is very nieve.
In 1948 the UN divided the land borders of Israel into the Gaza Strip, Israel and the West Bank. Because the Palestinians stated that Israel took Ashkelon and Ashdod from them they went on a crusade to reclaim their former territory. Also because a very large portion of the mountains of the ancient land of Israel was given to the Palestinians... the Jewish settlers went on a crusade to reclaim them. Thus, since this conflict is largely based upon ancient territorial rights of both the parties then the true solution to the problem is to push the so called 'reset button' on borders back to the very ancient guidelines that motivate both parties.
Therefore, today I am announcing a new campaign that I am asking both Jews within Israel (right and left) to support. Leave your prejudices at the door! Because this is for all of those that share the views of President Obama in that the Palestinian (Philistine) people need their own state; view of Prime Minister Netanyahu's that such a state should be financial independent from the State of Israel and also for the benefit of the Palestinian people; and also the views of the Torah & Tanach in that the Palestinian & Israelite people were covenanted to respect each other's borders (according to treaty at the well in the South called Beer-Sheba or well of the oath between Abraham and the king of the Philistines).
I have spoke to about hundred people on this subject and although most begin the conversation with the thought that such a idea isn't realistic I say that the same could have been said about a Black President of the United States not too long ago. What determines if something is possible is only the willingness of the parties to make it possible. This idea is definitely possible... but the question for the Jews that believe this proposal is very controversial I ask you to consider what do you prefer... an undivided beach alone the coast or an undivided Jerusalem for the State of Israel.
As for the Palestinians that may so happen to read this who believe that this is just another way for Israel to gain control over you and your land... I say that this proposal has Israel concede just as much as the Palestinians will have to concede, but any other extra-requirements are accompanied by sufficient compensations enough to help every Palestinian family moved and the State as a whole achieve financial independence from the State of Israel. In other words this is a win-win situation.
I ask you all to support this new two-state proposal that will hold true to all of these ideas by establishing a Palestinian State in the Gaza Strip, but also return some borders along the coast that are proven to be the original land of their ancient people. This will fulfil the same proclaimed goals of the both the Hamas and Palestinian government (as verified in Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech). Within these borders resources will be left to them that would aid in the establishment of an independent financial system for the Palestinian people. A sign if any that Israel is ready to make concessions.
But I suggest that you get Hamas under control with its statements against Israel... the Torah states that if a people will proclaim peace to Israel then we should be at peace with them, but if they declare war then war is what we give them. If you want peace then express it for others to clearly hear you.
If both parties that I have addressed will express their support for the idea then it will get Israeli leaders attention, it will get UN attention, it will get American attention. The fate of the country is literally in the hands of its inhabitants.
I will finish with one more statement… I continue for the most part to support President Barack Obama and I wouldn’t take back my decision to elect him… after all McCain would have done the exact same thing because it is in the road map to peace Bush followed. Yet with President Obama I look forward to working this issue out with foreign policy experts, him and the administration and working together as planned because after all it was Obama who once said that he welcomed debate in the White House. In this case that is what I will do… I invite others to join in.
Sincerely,
Yeshiyah Amariel
Israel for Obama
President Obama promised transparency of government when he was elected, yet since his inauguration the average person is under the impression that information concerning controversial issues such as the economic plan are not available to them in order to review. Over the last month the mainstream media (especially Fox News) have played this perception for all it is worth. Most programs on the Fox News Cable Network talk against Obama’s plan to recover the economy (which is officially entitled the ‘American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009’). If you listen to what most publications on the economic package say you will only hear that it contains many earmarks (or pork) that have nothing to do with recovering economy. They all say that the plan is very massive and that is was hardly read through… yet most of them show a stack of papers that they refer to as the ‘economic stimulus plan’. On the ‘Beltway Boys’ they criticise the economic plan because it has socialist philosophies and will not help the problems immediately within this year.
The truth of the matter is that the ‘American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009’ can be found on online government websites (such as the House Appropriations Committee website). The package is around 260 pages and is purposed for “making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes.”
Whether the American people agree with every program that is being given money, unlike the media madness against this economic plan, I’m giving the people a chance to read the full plan for themselves and conclusion concerning the details of the plan. The fact of the matter is that this plan puts money into the all of the agriculture department (which in detail actually means rural developments that will create jobs for those who need them), Educational department (a campaign promise to students), $16,126,000,000 for STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (a campaign promise), $500,000,000 for STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OPERATIONS, Housing Act of 1949, to be available from funds in the rural housing insurance fund, as follows: $22,129,000,000 for loans to section 502 borrowers, Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as follows: section 502 loans, $500,000,000, Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786) $100,000,000, and along with several other important job creating public construction projects (such as building roads and bridges) that exist within the United States this package also supplies the ‘‘Small Business Administration—Office of Inspector General’’, $10,000,000, the ‘‘Social Security Administration—Office of Inspector General’’, $2,000,000 and every military branch new funding (a total of $4,500,000,000 for ‘Operation and Maintenance’ of the military) to remain available until September 30, 2013, for oversight and audit of programs, grants, and projects funded under this Act.
I suggest that anyone that seeks to support or criticise this plan will take the time to seriously read over the programs and projects that will be stimulated. (http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/RecoveryBill01-15-09.pdf) I should also note that most of the ‘pork’ statements that were made on Fox News such as the purchase of motorcycles, automobiles, and etc. I did not find anywhere within this package. Feel free to read over the proposal yourselves and come to your own conclusions, but in my opinion the plan has enough positive benefits for the simultaneous creation of jobs, aid to the unemployed, and start for fulfilling campaign promises from Obama during his campaign to be supported by the general public that elected him. This package is designed to help the poor, middle class and help build State government projects in return and reduce taxes.
The additional tax cuts for top companies that the Republicans are pushing for is the current issue… Remember that conservatives don’t like big government because of increase taxes on the rich and decreased taxes and social programs for the poor and middle class. What they prefer are tax-cuts and social programs for the wealthy… so they are pushing that ‘Bush styled’ tax-cuts be given to companies and social programs be cut.
The fact of the matter is that average citizens can either work for one of the two powers that exist within the world… for government programs or for companies that without government restrictions wouldn’t give a damn about the average American’s well-being (remember workers rights in the 1920s and the current issue over the Peanut butter company… I rest my case).
It’s time for a serious economic conversation in the United States. We hear politicians all over the news on both the Democrat and Republican sides, but it is time for the citizens of the America to think for themselves and stop believing everything that they see on the news. What’s going on in the Congress, the DNC and the RNC right now are political games to put it politely.
We elected for change… but we must remember that a large percentage of people that voted in the United States also voted against Obama. The RNC is on its last leg and there is only one way for them to survive… that is to make Obama a failure. They are seeking to destroy Obama’s creditability as quickly as possible (You can tell the name of the game by watching Fox News or Hannity). At the same time there are big power struggles going on in the DNC to keep Obama in line with whatever they want. Remember, Obama never really got support from the Democratic Party (for the general election the DNC hardly raised a dime for the Obama campaign, even when the RNC raised millions for John McCain)…. His success came out of a support from the people (internet contributions and donations from the famous and rich). Because famous people supported him the media supported him…, but the media never really like him. The truth is that Obama’s policies threaten the powers-that-be in Washington (because when ordinary people begin to exert their power that upsets the social Darwinism philosophies that most power-players operate on). Companies that spend most of their time buying politicians have to subdue the Obama administration in order to bring-in projects and money from the government on the backs of the every day citizens.
When these politicians talk about their different methods for fixing the economy they all use words that never helps the average person understand what will or won’t help in the end.
What is the National Debt? It is the money barrowed from either another country or itself from future income from taxes from its citizens’ children.
What is the real solution to the economic crises? Companies’ are playing big games with the lives of normal people (social Darwinism at its best). To defeat the power they have average citizens have to do what Kind did with the civil rights issues and boycott certain companies that are playing these games and then redirecting their support to either companies that will support job production or give their support to smaller businesses that exist and do the same things the big companies do (this will catapult the small companies into the major leagues of the stock market and force the other companies to compete by conforming to the people’s needs or buy the new companies out keep the same pro-American job policies).
The other goal is to push Congress to create and support laws that will help job creation within the United States and aid those who have lost their jobs because of these political games. Let’s have no misunderstanding here… the United States doesn’t lack productivity, workers, or finances. There are 360,000,000 million people in the United States, we have a 20 percent unemployment rate which depending upon the work force. If the work force is half of the population, then the number of unemployment is 72,000,000. The stimulus plan just reached $925,000,000,000 billion dollars which if given to every unemployed worker $12,847 is enough to re-stimulate the economy in a heart beat. Those who have credit card and mortgage debts will repay them… those that without debts will put there money in banks (thus supplying them with investment money) and others will spend the money in the auto industry (solving that problem by busting the companies and creating jobs), create small businesses that will give lower income families money and the final group will invest the money into the stock market (at least 128 shares of a 100 dollar stock per investor) and cause the NASDAX to skyrocket. So the real power is in the hands of the people to solve their economic troubles and politicians (the people’s reps) to support them.
Many will jump to say that this is a socialist philosophy, however, the government giving companies money and calling it a bale-out is a socialist philosophy.... one that Republicans had no problem supporting before. Yet when it comes to saving the jobs of thousands of Americans and aiding those hurt by the recession they say it is un-American... when that is the most patriotic thing we can do.
While thinking of the entire campaign and my involvement in it for 21 months, I felt inspired to write a poem in an attempt to summarize all of my emotions. It was difficult to put 21 months and so many experiences into words but this was what came through my fingers from my brain. I hope you like it and feel free to share it with others.
One Citizen
I am just a citizen.A citizen of my town, Rock Island,Of my state, Illinois,Of my country, America.I am just a citizen.One who admired a senator.A Senator from my state.A Senator at the state level.A Senator at the national level.I am just a citizen.Who listened to a speech,Who read about his history,Who came to volunteer.I am just a citizen.Inspired by a man.Inspired by a message,A message of HOPE,A message of CHANGE.I am just a citizen.I felt it was my duty,My time to give something back,My time to help a man.I am just a citizen. Knocking on strangers’ doors,Calling people in other states,Reaching out to others with my optimism.I am just a citizen.Longing for something new.Something better for my child,Something better for my grandchild,Something better for this world.I am just a citizen.A citizen who believed.A citizen who had faith.A citizen who gave.A citizen who is proud.I am just a citizen.One of millions,One who held a piece of history in her hand.One renewed by our ability to CHANGE.To CHANGE our country, our world,To CHANGE how people act.I am just a citizen.Sitting in the background,Listening, watching, admiring.I am just one.Proud of what you represent.Proud I shook your hand,Proud I gave my time.I am just a citizen.Who thanks you!R. Kelinson01/19/2009 (cr)
Recently, a new two-state concept has been proposed to the upcoming Obama administration. The report-proposal was released by Rabbi Howshua Amariel and the conflict-resolution department of the Yisraelite Organization of Unity in Israel. It is being review by the Obama transition team and also Israelis as a posibility, but it basically states that original agreements made by Philistine and Israel ancestors at the well of Beersheba insured that the those territorial borders would be respected. However, the report also blames the UN for inproperly dividing the territories correctly between the Israelis and Palestinians in 1947 not considering that Israelis would continue to settle in the West Bank because it is the core of ancient Israelite land; also that Palestinians would continue attacks Ashkelon because it is was Philistine territory given away to Israel.
The report-proposal suggest that the final two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is to establish the Palestinians (whom have identified themselves as descendants of Philistines) in the former territory of the Philistines and give them the cities of Ashkelon and Ashdod (forming a new State of Philistine). In return, the proposal states that the territory of the West Bank (including Jerusalem) should be re-absorbed completely into the State of Israel.
map of the ancient Philistine State.
There is an obvious religous theme to this proposal yet the full version basically suggest that the proposal is a trade concept of an extended territory of two wealth cities for Jerusalem and the West Bank region. As far as I know a few Israeli officials are aware of this proposal at this time, but it is under review by the Obama foreign policy team. I suggest readers that a look at it at http://younation.bravehost.com/peace1.htm
Rabbi Amariel, the Israel director of the Yisraelite Organization of Unity has also stated that he supports the State of Israel in its current battle with Hamas, but the proposal is a final solution to the idea of two separate states when that point is reached.
I just called to cancel a hotel room that I had booked almost one year ago for the inauguration. At the time I booked it the price of the room with a king size bed was $89.00 per night. When I called tonight to cancel the room the manager told me it was now going for $300.00 per night.
WOW! Too bad I didn't auction it off on the web or this site. But I am an honest person and do not believe in taking advantage of a situation such as this. I did put it up on the site before cancelling so someone could have taken advantage of the hard to get room in DC.
Oh well, I wish the best to everyone lucky enough to be attending this huge event. I will be calling in to work, sitting in my house, and watching from our TV but my heart and my soul will be there along with the friends I have made through the Obama Campaign. Katie has promised me awesome pictures and a hug to Barack.
Happy Chanukah to all of my Jewish friends out there who are celebrating the first night tonight! Spin the dreidel, eat some latkes, and dance the night away. What else is ther in this horrid weather! May your first candle burn bright and illuminate the night.
Figures it takes an Iraqi to throw the shoes at Bush. Why didn't we think of that earlier! Seriously, I can think of something else we should have thrown at him but it isn't that hard, in fact, it is something my dog drops out in the yard a couple of times a day!
Hillarious video. Guess I am not, have never been a fan of the liar that is still sitting in the White House. Can't wait for the Obama's to occupy the Oval Office!!!!! Now that is a first family we can be proud of everyday!!!
At this time of the year we make a concerted effort to remember our blessings and give thanks. There are so many blessings, so much to be thankful for here in America and also in my personal life. Family, friends, health, and happiness come to mind immediately.
And now we have the blessing of a smart President who will be sworn in on January 20th. I am looking forward to the CHANGE we will experiencing in the days to come. I am thankful for the new first family.
After Obama's election to the Presidency of the United States, the next day I contacted him to offer our continued support and teamwork with an Obama administration and also to inform him of the new created Israel for Change "think tank" group (if you are interested in join visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/israelforchange/; or http://groups.google.com/group/israelforchange?hl=en).
The following is the actual Nov 5th letter to Obama and is followed by a link to his response on Nov 14th.
"I am sorry that I could not call you Mr. President-elect, but I want to offer from all your supporters in Israel our sincere congratulations to you, your family and your staff on your victory. American-Israelis are overjoyed that you have been elected president of the United States because when we said 'Yes we can' support you, we did! We have supported the movement for change since your arrival on the national seen, and we made your case to the Jewish people when the smear campaign had tried to mislead voters. We are confident that as President of the United States you will understand the complex issues concerning Israel and the peace process.
In your speech last night you stated that "To those who seek peace and security: We support you." Nevertheless, there are still many concerns within Israel as to if your administration will consider Israel's concerns over security issues. To aid with this problem we will soon be announcing the formation of an organization that aims to continue the movement of change that Israelis can believe in, not just in respect to the United States but also with consideration to the Jerusalem issue, the Palestinian peace process and Tikkun Olam. The "Israel for Change" organization stands ready to work with the Obama administration in these next steps in the global movement toward change we can believe in.
Yeshiyah AmarielIsrael for Obama campaign"
Click Here to read Illinois Senator (President-elect) Obama's response: (http://amarielfamily.tripod.com/ObamaLetter3.pdf)
I knew in my heart that we could win this race. ANd then when it was announced, the tears began to flow. I have been a part of history.
We must not stop the commitment to change. We must stay organized. We must continue to make our voices heard. We are a major part of this victory due to the organizing that has occurred on the campaign trail. We must continue.
Congratulations to everyone who has been a part of this movement and especially to Senator Barack Obama, his family, and friends.
YES WE DID!!!
After 21 long months on the campaign trail Barack Obama is set to make history tomorrow as he becomes the next President elect.
I cannot begin to recap the 20 months that I have personally been nvolved in this campaign for the Senator from my state of Illinois. All I can say is that every minute, every hour, every door that I knocked on, every phone call I made, all of the time that I took away from the typical things that I did prior to the campaign. all of the time that I took away from family, it has all been worth it.
I was involved in my neighboring state of Iowa. Can I tell you how very fortunate I have been to be involved in Iowa. First was all of the pre-caucus phone calling, door knocking, and events. The events! How very fortunate I have been to be able to work so many events in Iowa that Barack Obama recognizes me! I had the opportunity to also meet Michelle Obama a couple of times. And let's not forget the JJ event in Des Moines. John Legend opened the night with a few songs before we marched strong into the auditorium. We sat and waited for the speeches to begin for hours and then Barack was last! They definitely saved the best fr last! He took the walls down. His team of field organizers were so on top of things, so organized, from the time we held up a sign to the cheer we were to chant.
History. I have been a part of history that my baby grand daughter will study some day in her history class. She and I will sit togethr and look through my scrapbooks. We will chat of the importance of the election. She will know that her bubbe was so involved in the campaign not only for AMerica, but for her future.
Tomorrow evening I will be blogging my election night thoughts. Right now it is time to get some sleep before the polls open at 6:00 in Illinois and 7:00 in Iowa. I still have phone calls to make! So TTFN....
I know many people are familiar with the comments (from SP) but felt I had to share my personal feelings as a New Yorker. I love my country. I love it so much that I believe examining and speaking up about our country, society, and leaders is not only a right but a responsibility.
Our country is an experiment that demands the involvement of its citizens. My family came here at the turn of the century from places of persecution to live the American dream. Where did they find it? New York City!! They came here with nothing (except their children and dreams) and open and built businesses, fought in wars, became educated, raised their children, and to me are the definition of what is possible in America.People who know me know that I am not one to harp on Sept 11th (just the opposite) but on that day and those that followed I, like most New Yorkers, saw what people here were really made of. I could have left the island in the days that followed but wanted to be here to both draw from and give strength to my neighbors. I was never so proud to say that I was a native New Yorker! We were American enough to be targeted but not enough to be an example of what being American is. I wish I could understand why people would think that I am any less a part of this country than anyone else. Even if I go by the "rules" set forth by some (I attend a house of worship, love my family, volunteer and donate to causes, work hard...60 hours a week, respect my neighbors, etc.) I would still not be a real American. But lets go further...what I described are MY values and no one else’s.The American experiment is about living YOUR best life and pursuing YOUR dreams regardless of anyone else's opinions. This to me makes New York City the very definition of the real America!!! Now if I stuck to that, I would be no better than those who say the opposite. What makes this country so wonderful is our diversity and only the inclusion of ALL those who live here will make this grand experiment successful.
I felt it today. Did you? It was a gust of wind telling me that CHANGE is in the air. CHANGE is right around the corner. I felt it today. I will feel it tomorrow. Will you?
GOTV!!!!
