Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Norman Finkelstein on Obama's speech



“the wonder is that there are so few skeptics.” Norm Finkelstein
I heard Norman Finkelstein speak about 8 years ago at York University to a packed house. His views on Palestine and Israel are troubling to Zionist and pro-Israeli groups, and the Zionist students had come out to heckle him. The university had sent in police for security but as the majority, like me, had come simply to hear his views on Palestine and Israel, so the police did not have much to do. I hope they found his talk informative!

Failing to recognize International Law, as the Americans continuously do, is hubris, showing once again the US's imperial arrogance. In his recent speech to AIPAC, Obama reiterated the US's iron-clad support for Israel, yet Israel continues to flout international law. Why should the US and Israel be above international law? Above the UN? Do they both believe blindly that Manifest Destiny will see them through the next 20 years? I hope more and more people will go to the borders of Israel on Nakba Day. Maybe one day there will be a million unarmed people at Israel's borders, demanding change. What will Israel do? Kill them all?

Obama's gift of rhetoric cannot hide the hypocrisy of his words. Above, watch a 3 min clip of Norm Finkelstein interviewed on Democracy Now, with some critical words about Obama's speech. Why isn't Finkelstein an advisor to Obama? Maybe CHANGE will become a reality, not just rhetoric.

3 comments:

Merche Pallarés said...

¡Oh! Sounds very interesting. I'll have to come back with more time. I'm leaving Ibiza this Friday 27th. Once relaxed at home I'll have all the time in the world! Hugs, M.

northshorewoman said...

You have been busy keeping the tourists happy. I hope you enjoy your time back at home!

Merche Pallarés said...

I came back. Saw the clip and found Finkelstein's speech wonderful! Just plain common sense as well as an acute sense of justice. Very good. Hugs, M.