Monday, December 16, 2013

The Mainstream Media and flooding in Gaza

And this is how the mainstream media is covering it:


And then there is this:


And this is kind of a "strange" statement being reported widely:

"Once the storm is over, "the world community needs to bring effective pressure to end the blockade of Gaza," said Chris Gunness, a spokesman for the main U.N aid agency in the territory. Gaza residents "must be freed from these man-made constraints to deal with the impact of a natural calamity such as this," he added."

Why "after" the storm is over and not right now?

I find it interesting how "crisis" is used to spur immediate action when it is of benefit to imperialism but we are supposed to wait for "crisis" to pass when the outcome of immediate action will be not what is advantageous to imperialism even though it is the immediate action right now which will save lives.

Wars can be unleashed with "urgency" for "humanitarian" reasons but when real humanitarian assistance is required it can be put off until another time--- and how long has this blockade been in place, already? 

Manipulation of "shock doctrine?"

Obama wanted war with Syria "right now" and didn't want to wait for any facts; but, here, look at what is happening in Gaza and the world is being called upon to "wait" until the crisis passes before demanding an end to the blockade. These people know it will be much more difficult to develop pressure to end the blockade once this weather crisis passes. Once again the urgency and immediacy for action is being pushed aside... and this, coming from the United Nations. Despicable. Sickening.
 
These mainstream media news reports would lead people to believe both Israelis and Palestinians are suffering the consequences of a natural disaster but it doesn't get thoroughly or accurately explained why the Palestinians suffer the most dire consequences because of the barbarity of the blockade. 

It would be interesting to have a comparison of the financial, equipment, relief efforts (food, shelter) and human resources used to combat this storm in Israel as compared to Gaza coming from both the United States and other countries, relief organizations, etc.

Are dams being opened by Israel to alleviate damage and harm in Israel by turning this water loose on a trapped people as if they are nothing but rats trapped in a sewer? 

This is a serious question the mainstream media doesn't want to ponder, nor do our AIPAC bribed and supporting politicians--- every single one of them in the United States Senate and not a peep from this so-called Congressional Progressive Caucus. Not a mention of this man-made (imperialist made) human tragedy; why not?

I would also note that with all the media attention focused on Nelson Mandela's passing not a word is being said about his support and solidarity with the Palestinian people:

"Apartheid is a crime against humanity. Israel has deprived millions of Palestinians of their liberty and property. It has perpetuated a system of gross racial discrimination and inequality. It has systematically incarcerated and tortured thousands of Palestinians, contrary to the rules of international law. It has, in particular, waged a war against a civilian population, in particular children."    Nelson Mandela

Alan L. Maki