The most ridiculous propaganda in the world

The following two videos are what I can only describe as the most ignorant and fact-less pieces of propaganda I have seen a long time.





I want to address the main, and very important, problems I have with these videos one at a time:

1st video

• 13 seconds in- "Israel's friends condemn HAMAS for turning Gaza into a terrorist base to use against Israelis" : YES, Israel's "friends" may in fact condemn HAMAS, but for turning it into a terrorist base? Please do not see this as my support for terrorism or even for HAMAS, but this is far from the truth. Israel's blockade and oppression of the Palestinian People residing in Gaza, has allowed groups such as HAMAS to gain support and attack Israel. Yes, HAMAS's popularity can only be blamed on the actions of the Israeli government itself, not because a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania condemns Israel for the Gaza blockade.
• 26 seconds in- "Israel's friends know Palestinians suffer because their leader's reject peace": (Jaw hits the floor) How can they even say this, I would be much happier if they simply just admitted that Palestinians suffer because of the Israeli blockade and their occupation of Palestinian land. Trying to blatantly say that it is the Palestinians fault that they suffer is a ridiculous statement. But no, the horrible Joe Sestak is the anti-christ because he..wait for it..blames Israel!
• 42 seconds in- Yes I know this is getting a little bit ridiculous- "Israel's friends condemn groups like CAIR (Council on American Islamic Relations) for comparing the Jewish state to Nazi Germany". Once again they speak the truth, I am sure Israel's friends do condemn this, but that does not mean it is false. Ethnic cleansing, racil profiling, ghettos-it sounds very much like 1930's and 40's Germany to me.
• Finally, the final statement "Keeping Israel safe, keeps American safe"- I beg to differ. Support for Israel is the key reason why many Arabs, and in particular Palestinians are wary if not completely outraged at the United States. The U.S. makes enemies, at times dangerous enemies for this very reason, therefore supporting Israel is the last thing a security minded American would want to do.

 2nd video

• The only main point of the second video is that Joe Sestak dissaproves of Israel's actions in the occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people-and portrays this as this was something that is going to destroy the integrity and security of the United States, which as I argued above is completely and utterly false.

To start with I do not live in Pennsylvania, and in fact often vote Republican more often than Democrat, but the mere fact that these videos portray condemnation of Israel as a serious threat to U.S. security as well as simply a horrendous act, would make me vote for Mr.Sestak in the blink of an eye.

Remember Fear builds Walls, Hope builds Bridges

Ma'asalaama
John Mahoney

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FEAR builds WALLS, HOPE builds BRIDGES

Plan of Action

For anyone that is taking their first look at this blog I suggest you take a quick scroll down to the "Welcome" post which highlights my personal reasons for starting up this movement.

In this post I want to give anyone interested a general idea of what my plans for this movement are- remember AARO is a goal in progress, I need YOUR help NOW to make this goal possible. If anyone is willing to give even a small amount of their time to start the ball rolling on this project I would be greatly indebted to you.

My idea for the AARO movement is that this not simply be a charity, or an activism or special interest group. Rather I wish this to be a conglomerate of various different levels of interaction that will allow for the Middle Eastern and American communities to develop a level of trust and interaction that will prove hopeful for a bright new future in the Middle East.

To start off with, I simply want this to be a forum for discussion, for enthusiasm and ideas about how we can pull the Arab and American communities together. We must focus on our similarities and shared beliefs, while celebrating and understanding each other's differences. In'shaallah with enough support and belief, funding can begin for either an independent charity or to aid an existing charity in helping the needy in the Middle East. However, we cannot forget that charity without further action is useless. Social, business and political connections must be made if we hope to truly bind the two communities together in a shared dream of peace and prosperity.

I am well aware that other institutions and movements are out there who share a common goal, Mideast Youth and the Center on American Islamic Relations come to mind. However, there are never too many outlets out there for our voice to be heard.

Until next time, ma'salaama

John Mahoney

Welcome

Hello and Welcome to all.


The Arab-American Relations Organization is a movement in progress, and it needs your help to find life. My goal in the creation of the AARO is to contribute, in any way possible, to the growth of new, strong bonds between everyday people in the U.S. and the many varying people of the Middle East.


I am a college student at the University of Iowa majoring in International Studies and Political Science, with a minor in Arabic. And after returning from a recent trip to Israel and the West Bank, I realized that perhaps the biggest tragedy in all Middle Eastern conflicts, is that both the Middle East and "the West" are misconstrued by each other. Now religion, politics and all other aspects aside, the treatment of the Palestinian people by the Israeli Government, which I witnessed with my own eyes, is what I can only describe as inhumane and cruel. However my experience in the United States is that many people are willing to overlook the basic facts of situations such as in Palestine because they do not, and perhaps do not wish to, put the effort into truly understanding and sympathizing with the Palestinian people. I personally believe that this is because a cultural gap has developed after the tragic events of 9/11 which has led many U.S. citizens stereotyping Arabs as all simply "terrorists". Even today when the word "Muslim" is said to an average working class American, a negative connatation is often implied. This is sad, as it is reminiscent of the past when the words "Russian", "German" and "Japanese" all carried the same feeling.


On the other hand, it is true that due to the United States' response to terrorist actions committed in its country as well as its support of countries which are unpopular in the Arab world, i.e. Israel, the U.S. is often looked at as the great oppresor of the Arab people; Colonialism all over again. This is also sad because it is also untrue . I say with the utmost confidence that the average U.S. citizen has no interest what so ever in controlling and opressing the Arab people, and it is this point that must be made known.



Therefore, I have an idea, a proposition and most importantly a dream. I trust that through the wonders of 21st century technology as well as the many good, hard working people that live in both the Arab and American communities that maybe, just maybe we can change how the world thinks. At a certain point it is time for politicians and governments to be bypassed; there is a point when the interests of the individual are much greater than the interests of the country. When it occurs that people of this earth can no longer say they trust, believe in and love millions if not billions of others on this planet it is time for action to be taken. And now is that time.



In upcoming posts I will hopefully be able to lay out to you and discuss future plans for this organization. However, therein lies the problem: for this organization, this dream to work it is essential that is fueled by the excitement and the enthusiasm of the people it is serving. Right now I am one person with a hope that I can help this world for the better. But I need as many people as possible to make this hope a reality. I am asking anyone, regardless of age, race, religious or political affiliation to help. This organization has a goal, now it needs people to make this goal possible. If you are willing to help in any way; in the development, implementation, financial stabillity etc. of this plan I am asking you now to email me at aaro@gmx.com or to follow me on Twitter and Facebook.




I am well aware that it may take time for this organization to get off the ground however I am asking you for your help for this to take place. Now is the time for action, for belief that a goal can become a reality, and in'shaallah (God willing) we can change this world for the better.



Remember "Fear builds walls, Hope builds bridges"



Until next time Ma'assalama (Go in Peace)



John Mahoney