Tuesday, March 11, 2008

"The world’s largest prison—Gaza prison with 1.5 million inmates, many of them starving, sick and penniless—is receiving more sympathy and protest by Israeli citizens, of widely impressive backgrounds, than is reported in the U.S. press. In contrast, the humanitarian crisis brought about by Israeli government blockades that prevent food, medicine, fuel and other necessities from coming into this tiny enclave through international relief organizations is received with predictable silence or callousness by members of Congress, including John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. The contrast invites more public attention and discussion."
I was really pleased to read those words by Nader. I only thought that I wish he had spoken earlier--much earlier--on Palestine. I remember how Edward Said complained in the 1980s and 1990s that Nader would refuse to sign any statement or petition on Palestine. I once even prodded one of his lawyers/co-workers on the matter, and was told that he fears that advocacy on Palestine would harm his consumer advocacy. Better late than never, Nader, at the risk of invoking a cliche. (thanks Sellam)