[Athena]

Several years ago, one of my pyschology professors told the class the greatest threat to the world was Israel and Palestine and surrounding countries. At the time I knew nothing of what was going on there and had no reason to care. I think we can agree, 9/11 and the war in Iraq has given us reason to care what is going on.

Well before talk of terrorism, when the worst thing Palestinians were doing was throwing stones, I met a couple of Palestinians through a discussion group, and since have been firmly been against Zionism. Please note, I am no more against Jews than I am against Christians and Muslims, I wish they all would keep their religion out of politics, and stop imposing their religion on others. Bringing the world to a devastating war, because this is what an ancient book leads people to believe will happen, is about stupid, and I did not have children to fight holy wars.

I think it is very important to use the word "Zionism" to clarify the objection is political opposion to to Israel, not religious based Christian or Muslim opposion Jews. Using my tax dollars to support and arm Israel is not okay with me. Blindly moving in the direction of war and thinking the young in my family will fight these wars, or otherwise support them, (slashing domestic budgets, stealing from Social Security and depriving people of medical needs) is not okay with me. Oil countries are arming themselves and when the oil is gone, they will not peacefully return to herding cattle, and a life style devoid of all the things oil money buys today. Sooner or later there will be violent conflict unless past and future problems are resolved.

It is my aim to present the Palestinian side of the conflict. Do with it what you will.