Showing posts with label ISRAEL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ISRAEL. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

AMERICAN SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL NOT AS STRONG




American support not as strong as Israel wears on its lapel.

By
 
                                                                      Joseph Chez

December 5, 2012

If one could percolate all of the conflict in the Middle East, the 9-11 attack on US soil and civil liberties Americans have lost as a result of the fabricated #WarOnTerror , one could see at the bottom of the strainer, the remainder source of the world’s problems, including our own, and that is: our involvement as main arbitrator of peace between Israel and the Palestinians, the blind support US gives Israel, and the footprint we have in every repressive regime or kingdom in that part of the world.  The facts notwithstanding, the recent vote at the United Nations favoring the Palestinians cause, truly places the US on the world stage, however, the king now stands naked before the eyes of the world – alone and isolated. So what will happen next to US and Israel?

On November 29, 2012 State Dept Sec. Hillary Clinton officially commented that the UN Vote was “unfortunate and counter-productive.” But just a day after, at a dinner in her honor, she was more sincere; she lambasted Israel for having been “insensitive” to the Palestinian needs – diplomatic language for being “treacherous.”  In the meantime, during the UN vote, it is said that at the Knesset, the Likud and nationalist leaders were somewhat put-off, and were even sarcastic at the UN vote they felt was meaningless.  

Thus, brushing off their shoulders for what had just happened, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with his closest political right wing supporter, Foreign Minister Abigdor Lieberman, announced Israel would began building new settlements outside the E1 area, i.e., building east of Jerusalem, in the area within West Bank proper.  Additionally, the Israeli government immediately issued a public briefing stating it would also be confiscating Palestinian funds from several sources.  These would be some of the several responses the Israeli government would do – and more.  Thus, one can just imagine what Israel was contemplating, after having come out unscathed from a barrage of rickety-rockets from Hamas and with full official support of the European Union and the United States of America, Netanyahu’s regime must have felt untouchable. Moreover, their “Iron dome” was almost impenetrable and this perhaps gave the Israeli government a sense of invincibility.

However, to the surprise of Israel, most of the European nations voted in support of the de facto state of Palestine, with the exception of the Czech Republic.  In fact, they even expected Germany to vote no, but instead, Germany abstained. Nonetheless, despite the overwhelming rebuke, Israel remains unrepentant and unapologetic.

The United States on the other hand, officially remains supportive of Israel’s approach to negotiated peace talks between the two parties.  However, the Obama Administration realizes that both Israel and the US are now lumped together as a team that is isolated from the rest of the diplomatic world.   But, unlike Israel, the US is realistic and recognizes the UN vote was a diplomatic disaster.

For Israel, its modus operandi will remain status quo ante (same as before).  But, is it wise for Israel to continue kicking the can down the road – as Likud party leaders refer to, of their policy of peace talks with the Palestinians?  Can their overconfident attitude and robust US endless supply of weaponry guarantee Israel’s peace and security? The answer is NO – as a great number of nations were so deliberate in their UN vote. Moreover, the dynamics in the area have changed and they do not favor Israel.  Also, keep in mind that Netanyahu’s hope for US president, Mitt Romney, lost – and Republicans, the staunch religious political support for Israel, also lost.  And of greatest concern to Israel, is that 70% of American Jews voted for President Obama and not for the Republican candidate who made Israel’s support the hallmark of his campaign.

So, what these facts in American politics say is that support for Israel may not be as prominent and solid as Israel wears on its lapel.  In fact, the American people may well be fickle, but, they can also be just as pragmatic. Thus, support for Israel can officially change if Israel were to remain obstinate.  Already, criticism of Israel is coming out of previously whispering conversations – the taboo no longer a social constraint.  

Therefore, the most obvious and reasonable  course of action for Israel is to stop the intransigency and undergo UN supervision of peace talks, with the end goal, of adhering to existing UN resolutions  which call for Israel to retreat back to 1967 borders.  Additionally, the US must step back and allow the UN to take the lead in peace negotiations, but it should also not stand in the way in any UN Security Council resolution favoring a Palestinian state, or condemning Israel if the case may arise. For as long as Israel understands that the US can or will use its veto power at the Security Council, Israel will have no incentive to negotiate in good faith with the Palestinians or adhere to international law requirements.

Already, several European nations such as France and England, are recalling their ambassadors in Israel for consultations. In diplomatic gesture, it is a slap in the face for Israel, but also for its benefactor, the US.  Many other nations may also follow suit.  In sum, what we do will determine who we are and what we stand for.  Thus, in the face of international scorn we must not stand with the status quo.

 

Thursday, November 29, 2012

United Nations approves Palestinian bid, a step before statehood



 
United Nations approves Palestinian request despite deliberate US/Israeli obstruction.
By
Joseph Chez
 
November 29, 2012
It is inconceivable that the role-model of democracy in today’s modern world, the United States of America, has systematically stood in the way of Palestinians creating their own recognized state under the United Nations Charter. Since 1948, when Israel declared itself a nation, the U.S. was first to give recognition to the Jewish state, followed by the Anglo mother-country, the United Kingdom, whose Parliamentary Balfour Declaration became the blueprint for a Jewish homeland,
but also made
it possible for the roots of today’s Palestinian/Israel world issue.
At the behest of the United Kingdom which then had control of much of Arabia, on November 29, 1947 the United Nations passed a resolution partitioning Palestine in what was envisioned to become two states living side by side: one; the state of Palestine; and two, a homeland for a Jewish state.  However, Arabs/Palestinians who lived in what was then known as Palestine in Trans-Jordan, were given no voice to object to Palestine being partitioned and a major portion of their land, be given to Jews – primarily emigrating from Europe. Thus began the conflict in which Palestinians began to fight the British and Jews, who they saw as occupiers.  However, the fractured nature of Arab clans and coupled with facing a heavy hand of a foreign army, Arab/Palestinians could not successfully fight the well-armed British and/or the zeal of Zionist emboldened to establish a Jewish state.  
 
On May 15, 1948, as the  British Mandate was about to end, Jewish settlers declared their independence from British rule and by de facto became a recognized nation, primarily by the say so of England  and its sibling, the United States of America.  Palestinians still living within the new Jewish state, fearing for their lives, fled the area. Thousands more who chose to remain were either killed by Jewish settlers or were forcibly expelled from their own homes and  property - becoming refugees in the thousands - in neighboring Arab lands.
 
However, it must be noted, that as a consequence of the British Balfour Declaration and subsequent UK sponsored United Nation’s partition resolution, Arab objection and conflict against a perceived intrusion of a Jewish state, has continued to this date.  Regrettably, even though the 1947 UN Partition Resolution was to create two states, only Israel has since acquired “state” status while the apportioned Palestinian lands became occupied by Israel. 
 
To this date, Palestinians living in what is quasi recognized Palestine, the West Bank and Gaza, have lived under occupation and in virtual life in prison. And yet, much to the displeasure of the community of nations, against the subjugation of Palestinians by the Jewish state, numerous UN resolutions have been passed requiring Israel to abide by International Law and to end the occupation – but to no avail. Israel has thumbed its nose at the numerous UN resolutions and has kept a tight grip on the freedoms of Palestinians. This situation of course could not have happened if it were not for Israel’s mighty American benefactor, whose veto power at the UN Security Council has systematically killed any chance of dispute against Israel.  Accordingly, since Palestine has never acquired state status, Palestinians have had no standing before the jurisdiction of the United Nations. In fact, it has been the diplomatic strategy of England, the United States of America and Israel, to keep Palestinians from acquiring any form of recognition from the United Nations. This is because if Palestine has no state status, it can not bring its grievances before the world body. Thus, Palestine as a stateless occupied land - will remain in limbo.
 
Increasingly however, nations of the world have begun to recognize the malevolent actions of the state of Israel, despite the relentless and successful campaign by the United States, England and Israel to discredit Palestinian grievances or, label any angry Palestinian reactions, as those of terrorist. So I am reminded of a recent CNN interview of an Israeli government functionary who was attempting to explain the terrorist acts of Hamas in Gaza, as a mutual threat to the freedoms of Israelis and Americans… For which the CNN reporter asked of the Israeli: “so what would you do, if you were under occupation?”
 
A greater question is what’s in it for the U.S. in giving cover for the misgivings and lawlessness of the state of Israel? Why stand in the way of Palestinians achieving statehood? The answer is simple but still, enigmatic. There are three ways in which to approach this question; religiously, politically or of economics:
 
As absurd as it is stupid, the US describes itself as a Judeo-Christian nation and thus, bound by such dogma, Christians have evangelized US foreign policy.  Yes, the Christian ethos is so strong in current politics that government cannot ignore the biblical damnation if it does not come to the aid of Israel. In fact, many American believers now describe themselves as Christian Zionists, committed to the security of Israel. (The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah …All who lift it will surely hurt themselves… Zechariah 12:1-14)
 
Politically, American Christians have become a feared block of voters which pick and choose politicians. The once comical “Jesus freaks” or “moral majority” are no longer the laughing block but instead, have permeated into every corner of public life. It is no wonder thus, that expressing allegiance to Christian values is the American litmus test. To this end, Christians demand a forceful presence in Congress, but also preach politicians for an unquestionable mighty arm force, for the greatness of the country and for the defense of Israel.  Additionally, Jewish Americans also have a dynamic influence in American politics.  So strong is their reach, that Congress dares not cross certain boundaries when it concerns Israel. AIPAC you may say - gives politicians life or oblivion.  In addition, Israel has played the religious angle to its favor.  We now know that AIPAC/Israel recruited GW Bush for president and delivered – if he were to only take out Saddam Hussein, a mortal enemy and imminent threat to Israel. More currently, AIPAC/Israel also lobbied for would be US President, Mitt Romney, if he were to also, attack Iran.  Interestingly, Mitt’s Mormonism had him rooted in biblical ties with Israel. So what happened with Barack Obama winning the presidency? He vowed to the same litany of, in defense of Israel.
 
Economically, the U.S. consumes one third of the world’s hydrocarbons even though it has one sixth the world’s population. Conveniently, the Middle East is awash in petroleum, thus giving the US a need for controlling interest of the oil spigot in the region. Presently, Saudi Arabia is considered the number one oil producing nation, and of course, the mighty one and only extracting oil company in Saudi Arabia is ARAMCO (ArabAmericanCompany).  However, through out the region there are also many other nations rich in oil in which the US has a footprint. Regrettably, many of the Middle Eastern nations have royal families or worse, dictatorial regimes which keep much of the oil profits but keep their population in check. To this end, the U.S. is in a tight spot and reverts to propping up those repressive regimes in order to keep the oil flowing – to the US. Needless to say, the region is imminently important to the economic well being of the nation.  But why watch Israel’s back? Geo-politically, Israel is positioned strategically in the region for the US to intervene in the event of oil disruption from competitor nations or would be aggressors.  Moreover, the US has the most influential industrial military complex, framed in such a way that it becomes a revolving door for massive weapons systems to be sold to the Pentagon, retiring generals becoming CEOs of military/aero space companies, generals becoming lobbyist in Congress, Congress buying more weapons systems, the Pentagon unnecessarily decommissioning weapons systems and then transferring those systems to Israel, and thus, resulting in Israel pressuring Congress for more military hardware aid.  Congress therefore, feels the heat from AIPAC/Israel and approves more weapons systems ordered by the US military complex. One might then ask, if the US Congress and the American military complex truly have the security interest of the country in mind, or if it is plain dollars and nonsense – in defense of Israel?  
 
Regardless, the US feels compelled to embrace the social, political, religious and military ties that bind the US with Israel. Israel on the other hand, fully understands this American weakness and exploits the American tightly-wound religious/political undergarment and does not miss the opportunity to squeeze the Americans where it hurts, at their option and at the appropriate time. 
 
Consequently, as the world becomes impatient with the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, sectors within the community of nations want the United Nations to resolve the Palestinian/Israeli issue, although governments are keenly aware that the United States and England have a disproportionate influence in world affairs and within the UN, for which resolution after resolution against the occupying state of Israel, goes down to defeat.  Moreover, the United States of America has forcefully assumed the role of arbitrator concerning the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.  The Europeans on the other hand, have followed in such endeavor, but have demurred to the process as set by the United States and England.  Thus the question rises; why would Israel’s benefactor lead the discussion in arbitration in this critical matter and isn’t there a conflict of interest?
 
To avoid the conflict of interest perception, The United States and Israel have done the obvious, i.e. to propose a series of peace talks between the parties in order to achieve the goal of a two state solution – in theory. Accordingly, the US has sponsored a number of prominent peace talks in which the two parties are urged to resolve the issues and ultimately come up with a suitable and mutually peaceful two-state arrangement.  The folly of such conceptual trap however, is that Israel’s vision is to keep the land they have occupied, as they assert, that it is the promised land given by God to the Jews.  And by God, they aim to keep it that way.  Thus, the Camp David Accord of 1978, the Madrid Talks in 1991, the Oslo Accord in 1993, The Taba Agreement 1n 1995, the Wye River Memorandum in 1998, Sharm el-Sheikh Memorandum of 1999, the Camp David Summit in 2000, and the most recent in 2003 being the Quartet of the UN, US, EU and Russia - promoting the Road Map for Peace talks – have all been framed to give the illusion of progress, although requiring the Palestinians to meet certain unattainable goals before Israel would agree to give up any occupied territory. Thus it was foreseeable that each and every agreement has failed as it was designed to do so.  Furthermore, the United States has consistently argued that it is not for the United Nations to resolve the issue but that the two parties must mutually agree to a resolution – which is the same recipe for failure.
In as much as the world has caught on to the Israeli/US deception, Palestinians have realized that peace negotiations with Israel is but a hoax and therefore, have decided to go the route of United Nations recognizing Palestine as a state.  However, the US and Israel continue to argue that the only way for a two state resolution, is not through the UN but to go back to the peace table and both parties reach agreement.  But, since the Palestinian Authority sees no viable peace alternative with Israel, on this date of November 29, 2012, Palestinians will have made their bid for elevated status before the United Nations General Assembly.  At the same time, Israel’s government has threatened to annex Samaria and Judea if Mahmoud Abbas makes the bid before the UN. Worse, the current Israeli foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman has also threatened to do away with any and all Palestinian government officials, as it has been the unofficial Israeli government policy to assassinate Palestinian leaders.
 Today, history is at a crossroads, but even in the last minutes of the Palestinian presentation before the United Nations, the United States, at the behest of Israel, continued to discourage Palestinians from having the United Nations intercede in the process of Palestine gaining recognition as a future state.
 Thus, this date of November 29, 2012, the United Nations with an overwhelming majority of 138 nations voting in favor of Palestinians, to 9 abstaining or against, voted to grant Palestine elevated status, a closer step before acquiring full nation status. And yet, the question remains why the United States of America, the role model it portrays to be, has chosen to side on the wrong side of history?
 

Friday, August 24, 2012

Mitt Romney, the Mormon Bain Capital front man - NEXUS


Mormon Church, Bain Capital or a multi-national corporation in disguised?

We are all familiar with the old adage of “follow the money”, right? Not with the Mormon Church or with Mitt Romney. In fact, the Mormon Church can be likened to a financial labyrinth that no one can ever find the exit.  One can argue that the Mormon Church is masquerading itself as a religious order, but in reality, it is a shadowy multi-national corporation worth in the tens of billions of dollars.  And someone wanting to unveil the mystery of the deep and clandestine financial empire of the church, a quantum mechanics scientist would be more likely to unravel the inside universe of subatomic particles. However, in the Mormon quantum business physics, if you scratch the surface, you will only find buckyballs within buckyballs – and endless shell companies where one will never see the business-God particle.

Today, the Mormon Church is knee-deep in cash and actively involved in real estate, securities, businesses, land holdings, publishing, TV, radio stations and countless other business enterprises, plus, subsidiaries within shadowy companies – all under a nut shell that no one can penetrate.  In fact, the Mormon Church conducts business world-wide, but is also the largest private land owner in the United States. Moreover, the Church has annual revenues in the billions of dollars, which derive from the steady contribution of church members, dividends, trust and of course, from investment income.  Fortune 500 pegs the wealth of the Mormon Church within ten points from the top 100 richest companies. However, how much wealth or income the church receives or has in acquisition, is truly an educated guess, as the Church has refused public review of its finances since 1959.

It’s a fact; the IRS does not have the wherewithal to delve into the business dealings of the Mormon Church as it is sanctioned pursuant to IRC Sec. 501(c)(3) giving Federal tax exemption to religious groups or non-profit organizations.  In addition, Church following is a behemoth curtain which would stand in the way of any government agency or any individuals wanting to peek. 

According to an ABC News report by Mark Mathews and Brian Ross, Mitt Romney, as a Mormon leader and head of the giant equity firm of Bain Capital, he “carved” his church a juicy slice of lucrative business deals, thus providing the church with millions of dollars worth of stock, stock, stock…!  Why the emphasis you may ask? Well, the concern of every American is with the higher tax bracket for the working poor as opposed to the very wealthy, especially those whose income derives from dividends or capital gains, such as with Mitt Romney, who end up paying less in taxes per capita – or nothing at all.

Stock contributions to LDS church, donations or tax scam?

However! Little known to the rest of the American public is, that contributing tithes to the Mormon Church by its members is not only a practice, it is a requirement  – preferably, in the form of stock. Why? Very well known to Church officials  is that stock donations provide for a more favorable tax treatment for the donor. Under IRS rules, an individual gifting stock to a tax-exempt organization or church will receive a tax deductable donation credit against the full value of the holding (value of stock), thereby also exempting the capital gain of the stock and the gain is also not taxed.  This greatly gives tax advantage to the donor but it also overwhelmingly helps the church by receiving capital gains which are untaxed. Therefore, having this latitude or IRS loophole, a fundamental question must be asked; why would the Mormon Church not be inclined to invest in businesses owned or controlled by the church, in which company owners or members of the same church, would be forced or urged to give contributions to the church in the form of stock – whereby, company stock and capital gains would go untaxed? The advantage to the church is that it gets more revenue.

Mitt Romney and Bain Capital - business prowess or church connections?

Candidate Mitt Romney has made it its hallmark that he is a successful businessman and that he understands and can fix the national economy.  He touts his credentials from his alleged start-up of his business and success of his venture and asset management company, Bain Capital. However, what is not widely known is that he was not instrumental in the start up of the company or perhaps the success of the businesses he claims to have managed or owned.  Instead, it is believed that men in black suits approached Mitt and was offered a leading position in a new business venture –where any and all decisions would be made by those men in black, driving cars with Utah license plates. He was not to know where the new venture capital came from or where it would ultimately end.  We do know of course, that by coincidence, his companies consistently contributed stock offerings to the Church of Latter Day Saints. We also now know, that he has untold holdings or cash stored in offshore accounts.

 Thus, the question remains as to whether many of his alleged assets and resources truly belong to Mitt Romney or owns them by proxy? That is still not clear and he is not talking.  In fact, now as the presumptive Republican nominee, he does not give interviews to the press freely and refuses to answer to questions about his business connections.  When he does appear on Fox News however, candidate Mitt Romney is cuddled with softball and leading questions, which only amount to lighting up the mythical little shinny city on the hill.  And yet, the unknown about Mitt Romney’s finances and connection to the Mormon Church agenda remains elusive.  

In sum, what is troubling about Mitt Romney and the connection with the Mormon Church is that he is known as changing his stripes as with the wind changing direction.  The American public does not know if Mitt Romney controls Mitt or if he would be a president that would be manipulated by extreme interest, either in Wall Street, Salt Lake City or from the Knesset in Israel.  The stakes are too high and the gamble too risky if Mitt Romney was to be elected.

This much we do know; he would provide for more loopholes to Wall Street, help the  very rich, he would arm the military to the teeth and place missile systems umbrellas through out, but, he would also cut much needed social programs.  In fact, he has made a promise that he would make the US military force so powerful, that no one would dare challenge.  Which coincidentally, the Mormon Church evangelical agenda is one which will make it the most prominent religion in the world.  So just imagine, if Mitt Romney was to become President, is in collusion with church agenda, and is given the reigns of US military power, would he not place the country into an apocalyptic course? 

Keep in mind, that Mitt Romney has also resurrected the cold-war with the Soviet Union, a system of government which no longer exist, but has also marked Red China as our mortal enemy.  So, what are we to expect from a man whose stripes can change as the wind blows.  Would he work for Wall Street, Zionism or would he legitimize the Mormon Church as the most powerful religion in the world – in which no one would dared question?  

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Mitt Romney, A Trojan Horse of the Nephite Clan


MITT ROMNEY,

The Trojan Horse

Of the Mormon Nephite Clan.

May 17, 2012

By

Joseph Chez

 Should a Mormon be elected to the Presidency of the United States of America, or of any other religion for that matter? What about a religious Trojan horse?

 In this country, the practice of religion or the absence of its practice, is constitutionally    
protected. Accordingly, politicians seeking public office should not be vetted for practicing religion or the absence of religion in their personal lives. And yet, the country describes itself as one nation under God. Further, a great majority of the population believes that this nation is inherently a Judeo-Christian nation and nothing else. And for many evangelicals in the South, Mormonism is considered a cult rather than a legit Christian church. 

However, increasingly, the nation judges any would-be politician by its Christian credentials, but unduly disqualifies any politician at the least indication of belonging to a church outside the perimeter of the Judeo-Christian norm.  Let’s say, Islam, non-believers or, Mormonism?

 The 2012’s presidential race now has two viable presidential candidates; one, the incumbent President Barack Obama, who is not well liked by conservative Christians because of his questionable Christian ties – but perhaps more, because of the color of his skin; and the other, Mitt Romney, a white individual described as severely conservative and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – a Mormon.

Separation of church and state:
Thus, the question remains, as to whether religion should be a valid credential for eligibility for public office?  Should it matter? I argue, not really, however ... Religion should not have anything to do with matters of the state. And in fact, we should all be in defense of separation of Church and State. Why you may ask? Perhaps framers of our Constitution knew history, by which it teaches us that religion will encroach into matters of the state and eventually will decimate the powers of the state. A prime example was the Roman Empire, as was in the past.  Presently, we are reminded of Iran or Israel whereby extreme messianic precepts rule over a conventional society.

However, while I strongly believe in the separation of church and state, or the constitutional protection of freedom of religion, it is imperative that the nation must have consideration of the religious values of any would-be candidate for public office. It is important that we not disqualify anyone for membership of a specific religion, but that we do consider whether a politician’s religious values will permeate into public office – and thus, affect the greater society.  We should not elect a president who may believe an ethnic group is less than human or less than other ethnic groups. We should not elect a politician who may believe that women must remain under raps of a veil or burka. We should not elect a president whose religious creed does not accept natural diversity in matters of human condition, such as sexual orientation or equality in same-sex marriage.  We should not elect a president, who may believe that according to his/her religion, that Jewish people are God’s chosen people, and that for such reason, we must put all of country’s resources at their disposal.  And we must not elect a president who believes in a modern day crusade of spreading sanctimonious values around the world under the veil of democracy, religion or the mighty dollar.  In sum, we must be careful that public servants not weave the teachings of their religious credo with directives of public office interest.  

Bible vs. Book of Mormon:
So what about Mitt Romney, member of the Mormon Church, or LDS? To this date, Mitt Romney has publicly stated that his religion should not be an issue or that his religion will not dictate his decisions as a public servant. Okay, but what about the nature of Mitt Romney’s religion? Is it a cult or religion? I would argue that a cult which is defined by its unorthodox or extreme practice, as opposed to conventional religion, which may have a more subdued practice, is well, a matter of perception.  I have read the Bible, the Koran, and the Talmud and these books of folklore, are more legend than fact. More bluntly, these teachings are as anachronistic as petroglyphs writings in a cave.  The Book of Mormon on the other hand, is clearly more recent revelations of fantasy and representation of haunting religious experiences in the heartland of North America, by a crazed polygamist named Joseph Smith.

But, within the context of reality and why the precepts of Mitt Romney’s religion should be a fundamental consideration in electing or repudiating the candidate, let me say that the Church of the Latter Day Saints is enshroud with prejudice, deception and conspiracy.  

For your consideration, LDS teachings:
Thus, be thy witness that Joseph Smith, founder of the LDS, personally saw the son of God at the shores of the Mississippi river while he was cleansing the mud off his feet in the murky waters of the river.  As time lapsed, a lizard, or perhaps a salamander, named moroni, transformed into an angel and gave Joseph the spirit of God’s prophecy written in golden plates. And as Mormons, followers of Joseph Smith traversed the prairie of North America; they crossed into another man’s country, Mexico, and called it their promised land.  Now established in Zion, known to all as Utah, Mormon brethren continued with the practice of polygamy – having as many wives as men would wish for. But did women have any choice in the matter? Apparently, it was written that they must obey the laws and ordinances of their gospel.

Joseph, now himself a prophet, provided the translation of the golden plates, the Holy Scripture parable to the Christian Bible. Thus according to LDS scripture, Mormons were Nephites, descendants from the First American named Lehi, who left Israel 600 B.C. for America. Regrettably, Lehi’s children split into 2 warring peoples; one, a kind-hearted and white-skinned, called Nephites. The other, were the Laminites, who were brown-skinned and marauding in nature. Kinda like cowboys, Indians and manifest destiny. Truly, Mormonism embodies the culmination of manifest destiny and ultra-nationalism. 

  • “By it we learn that our western tribes of Indians are descendants from what Joseph who was sold into Egypt, and that the land America is a promised land into them.” (Teachings of the prophet Joseph Smith, pg 17)
Thus, whereas color of skin determined familial lineage and degree of goodness of heart, LDS members were not allowed to intermarry. Black people until recent times were not allowed as members of the church. However, even though today, the church officially does not sanction racial prejudice, its teachings cannot escape its inherent inference of distinction amongst peoples.

Philo-Semetic or a Judeophilia Trojan horse doctrine?
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints see themselves as direct descendants from the house of Israel, primarily from the Menashe and Ephraim tribe and by all aspects, inherently in line to inherit the lands of Israel.  The Church core teachings allege that their forefathers came to “America” from the lands of Israel and were the “First Americans.” At the same time, Mormons also enshrine in their gospel, the return of Jews back to Israel – in preparation for the second coming.

The Mormon Church also asserts, that as early as 1841, ten years after the official establishment of the Church, Joseph Smith sent Orson Hyde, an elder of the church as emissary to what is now Israel, and that he proclaimed then, that the “time was near when he will bring them upon their own land which he gave their fathers by covenant.”  Thus the church takes credit in the inception and ultimate formation of the State of Israel in 1948. Accordingly, the Mormon Church has a sharp affinity to the Jewish culture, interest and respect for the Jewish people and no less, they see themselves as pivotal in the current affairs of the State of Israel.

Today’s Mormon following is perceived as staunchly supportive of the State of Israel and yet, paradoxically, the Church is actively involved in affairs contradicting the interest of the State of Israel.  The controversy is that while officially, the church gives all its support for Israel’s domestic and foreign policy, Mormon Church officials covertly have been financing Arab groups in the US and in the Arab world. No less, LDS Church officials serve as advisors to the PLO Representatives at the United Nations – in consternation of Jewish groups such as the Anti-Defamation League or the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee.  Even some Israeli officials believe that the Church is out to discredit Israel.  For many Orthodox Jews living in Israel, Mormons are seen as a direct threat to their religion and the future of the Jewish state. Why the concern? It is not a secret at the Vatican or in Salt Lake City, that there is a wide-held belief that Jews were cursed because they rejected the gospel of Jesus and pointed the finger at him for crucifixion.

No less, what also feeds concern for Jews in the United States and Israel is the relentless religious fervor for which Mormons are known for; they have a mission, and that is to convert everyone – including all Jews wherever they are. 

  • Once chief theologian and apostle for the Mormon Church, Bruce R. McConkie preached in reference to Jews, that “so it will be… until they repent and come into him – and only then - when they believe in the book of Mormon and turn to Joseph Smith.”
  • LA Times article Feb 2012 resurrected the controversy of the Mormon Church practice of baptism by proxy and post-mortem by which it has been Mormon Church practice to baptize all Jews and others who are not Mormon, either in absentia or post-mortem. Some of the most baptized have been Jewish Holocaust victims or survivors, President Obama’s mother, and even the late Adolf Hitler.
More to the Jewish consternation is that the Mormons have arrived in Israel – perhaps to stay.  Already, there is a Brigham Young University Center in Jerusalem, but a temple is in the works.  The Mormon Temple to be built will be one which will rival the Temple of King David. 

 The Mormon Church’s reflection on the destruction of Jews for not becoming Mormons: “just retribution” (for the Jews and) “the true Jews (Mormons) will build the promised temple whose functions and uses will be patterned after the house of the lord in Salt Lake City.” (Bruce R. McConkie)

  • In the Mormon Missionary manual, it states that “the greatest success will be to reform Jews and the religious inactive.”
To this day, Jews as well as other established religious orders within Israel, have a precarious relationship with their new neighbors – the Mormons.  And yet, the State of Israel has embraced the support it gets from the Mormon Church and the Republican Candidate Mitt Romney.  Unlikely allies no less, but the need is symbiotic.

Republican Mitt Romney, now the presumptive nominee of his party, has staunchly proclaimed blind allegiance towards the defense of Israel in a recent appearance before AIPAC, but also publicly stated in the media. In fact, he makes no bones, that if he were to become President of the United States, he would attack Iran’s nuclear capability or at least, help Israel accomplish such mission. An unimaginable thought that has the potential of unleashing apocalyptic consequences for the Middle East as well as in the heartland of the United States of America.

Adding to the concern, is that Prime Minister of Israel, who has recently solidified his coalition within the Knesset, may now find the support within his government and would-be US republican President, Mitt Romney, to continue Israel’s preoccupation with the destruction of any would-be enemy in the region. Already, Israel continues to be criticized by the world body for its state-sponsored assassinations, rendition, illegal Palestinian occupation and administrative detention of any would-be critic of Israel. The tangent of all this, is that Benjamin Netanyahu, PM for the State of Israel, and Mitt Romney, presumptive republican nominee, are rather closed friends – since they both worked closed together in Wall Street. Which by the way, connects this thesis of Mormon malevolence with a financial empire of the LDS Church enshroud with secrecy and deception.

Mormon Church, Bain Capital or a multi-national corporation in disguised?
We are all familiar with the old adage of “follow the money”, right? Not with the Mormon Church or with Mitt Romney. In fact, the Mormon Church can be likened to a financial labyrinth that no one can ever find the exit.  One could argue that the Mormon Church is masquerading itself as a religious order, but in reality, it is a shadowy multi-national corporation worth in the tens of billions of dollars.  And someone wanting to unveil the mystery of the deep and clandestine financial empire of the church, a quantum mechanics scientist would be more likely to unravel the inside universe of subatomic particles- which as of yet, it has not been done.  In the Mormon quantum business column, if you scratch the surface, you will only find buckyballs within buckyballs – and endless shell companies where one will never see the business God particle.

Today, the Mormon Church is knee-deep in cash and actively involved in real estate, securities, businesses, land holdings, publishing, TV, radio stations and countless other business enterprises, plus, subsidiaries within shadowy companies – all under a nut shell that you cannot penetrate.  In fact, the Mormon Church conducts business world-wide, but is also the largest private land owner in the United States. Moreover, the Church has annual revenues in the billions of dollars, which derive from the steady contribution of church members, dividends, trust and of course, from investment income.  Fortune 500 pegs the wealth of the Mormon Church within ten points from the top 100 richest companies. However, how much wealth or income the church receives or has in acquisition, is truly an educated guess, as the Church has refused public review of its finances since 1959.

It’s a fact; the IRS does not have the wherewithal to delve into the business dealings of the Mormon Church as it is sanctioned pursuant to IRC Sec. 501(c)(3) giving Federal tax exemption to religious groups or non-profit organizations.  In addition, Church following is a behemoth curtain which would stand in the way of any government agency or any individuals wanting to peek. 

According to an ABC News report by Mark Mathews and Brian Ross, Mitt Romney, as a Mormon leader and head of the giant equity firm of Bain Capital, he “carved” his church a juicy slice of lucrative business deals, thus providing the church with millions of dollars worth of stock, stock, stock…!  Why the emphasis you may ask? Well, the concern of every American is with the overtaxed bracket for the working poor as opposed to the very wealthy, especially those whose income derives from dividends or capital gains, such as with Mitt Romney, who end up paying less in taxes per capita – or nothing at all.

Stock contributions to LDS church, donations or tax scam?
However! Little known to the rest of the American public, is that gifting or contributing to the Mormon Church by its members, it is a huge practice of making donations – preferably, in the form of stock. Why? Very well known to Church officials and church members is that stock donations provide for a more favorable tax treatment for the donor. Under IRS rules, an individual gifting stock to a tax-exempt organization or church will receive a tax deductable donation credit against the full value of the holding (value of stock), thereby also exempting the capital gain of the stock and the gain is also not taxed.  This greatly gives tax advantage to the donor but it also overwhelmingly helps the church by receiving capital gains which are untaxed. Therefore, having this latitude or IRS loophole, a fundamental question must be asked; why would the Mormon Church not be inclined to invest in businesses owned or controlled by the church, in which company owners or members of the same church, would be forced or urged to give contributions to the church in the form of stock – whereby, company stock and capital gains would go untaxed? The advantage to the church is that it gets more revenue.

Mitt Romney and Bain Capital - business prowess or church connections?
Candidate Mitt Romney has made it its hallmark that he is a successful businessman and that he understands and can fix the national economy.  He touts his credentials from his alleged start-up of his business and success of his venture and asset management company, Bain Capital. However, what is not widely known is that he was not instrumental in the start up of the company or perhaps the success of the businesses he claims to have managed or owned.  Instead, it is believed that men in black suits first approached Mitt and was offered a leading position in a new business venture –where any and all decisions would be made by those men in black driving cars with Utah license plates. He was not to know where the new venture capital came from and where it would ultimately end.  We do know of course, that by coincidence, his companies consistently contributed stock offerings to the Church of Latter Day Saints. We also now know, that he has untold holdings or cash stored in offshore accounts.

Thus, the question remains as to whether many of his alleged assets and resources truly belong to Mitt Romney or owns them by proxy? That is still not clear and he is not talking.  In fact, now as the presumptive Republican nominee, he does not give interviews to the press freely and refuses to answer to questions about his business connections.  When he does appear on Fox News however, candidate Mitt Romney is cuddled with softball and leading questions, which only amount to lighting up the mythical little shinny city on the hill.  And yet, the unknown about Mitt Romney’s finances and connection to the Mormon Church agenda remains elusive.  

In sum, what is troubling about Mitt Romney and the connection with the Mormon Church is that he is known as changing his stripes as with the wind changing direction.  The American public does not know if Mitt Romney controls Mitt or if he would be a president that would be manipulated by extreme interest, either in Wall Street, Salt Lake City or from the Knesset in Israel.  The stakes are too high and the gamble too risky if Mitt Romney was to be elected.

This much we do know; he would provide for more loopholes to Wall Street, help the  very rich, he would arm the military to the teeth and place missile systems umbrellas through out, but would also cut into much needed social program.  In fact, he has made a promise that he would make the US military force so powerful, that no one would dare challenge.  Which coincidentally, the Mormon Church evangelical agenda is one which will make it the most prominent religion in the world.  So just imagine, if Mitt Romney was to become President, is in collusion with church agenda, and is given the reigns of US military power, would he not place the country into an apocalyptic course? 

Keep in mind, that Mitt Romney has also resurrected the cold-war with the Soviet Union, a system of government which no longer exist, but has also marked Red China as our mortal enemy.  So, what are we to expect from a man whose stripes can change as the wind blows.  Would he work for Wall Street, Zionism or would he legitimize the Mormon Church as the most powerful religion in the world – in which no one would dared question?  

Beware the ides of religious fervor and Mitt Romney – the Lehi prophet of the Nephite clan.






Wednesday, March 23, 2011

LIBYA’S KADAFI FLY ZONE COMING TO AN END, OR SHOULD IT?

By

Joseph Chez

(3-22-11)

Our national moral values are currently being questioned:
For weeks freedom fighters in Libya have asked for help from the West, but more so, from the United States. And yet, the specter of granting democracy to those who for a lifetime have not experienced it, is overwhelming to conceive – so goes the discussion on American television, the West Wing of the White House, and in the halls of Congress. In fact, the reluctance for interference in the Arab civilian uprising is simply just, an abundance of diplomatic caution. The caveat of course, is that while it would be to the benefit of our nation to get rid of Kaddafi, in like circumstances, we would also have to give support to the social uprising in Bahrain or in Saudi Arabia – which of course, it would then be to our economic detriment and perhaps more pressure on Israel to truly make peace.

However, to no one’s surprise, the stink of oppressive regimes in the Middle East has been tolerated by western powers, if not whole-heartedly sustained by them. Furthermore, it should be noted that the world today, bears witness to historic events sweeping the Arab world. More specific, we’re seeing the Arab world waking up from a long standing stupor and subjugation from oppressive dictatorial control and or, desert kingdom’s paternal abuse. But, to the surprise of the West, Arab grass root awareness and desire, has inflamed the yearning for representative democracy. Thus, the entire Middle East is aflame with great expectations for freedom. So what is the West to do now?

For decades, the West has used its military and economic stronghold through out the Middle East under the pretext of spreading democracy, but how unlikely, the multitude of people in the Middle East have always known what is hypocrisy and what is convenient to the West. “Enough is enough, the dictators have got to go” has been the cry in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, Jordan, Iran, but not limited to, and now Libya.

Reluctantly, Western powers such as the UK, France, and the U.S. have been a little bit late in getting their feet wet in these grass-root uprisings. What? Oppose the local governance which supplies our oil? Go against those who keep the Israeli-Palestinian issue from public scorn? Or, better yet, jeopardize Arab monies from stuffing our national treasury, our banks, or our wallets?

Therefore, finding ourselves in a geo-political quandary, the political discussion in the U.S. has been a concoction of disarray and frankly, totally unexpected political posturing. On the one hand, democrats known for opposing war and intervention are divided on whether to help the Libyan anti-government forces. In fact, there has even been a call by a democratic congressman to suggest impeachment of the President. And on the other side of the political isle, the neo-con republicans are strongly criticizing the president for not having been more forceful on this issue and they would like a robust military response. Perhaps they would like to see another “shock and Awe” scenario in Libya or just may be, they see an opportunity to turn on a few Middle Eastern regimes of which are not friendly with the US or Israel.

Thus, considering the political mine fields present, president Obama has opted for a “modest contribution” and waited until the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution (Resolution 1973) which allowed for the intervention in Libya in order to protect civilians. As a consequence, the very next day, the French and the UK jumped in and began to impose a “NO fly zone” against Kaddafi’s beleaguered, but blood thirsty nonetheless, arm forces. The U.S. however, was in fact involved thereafter or during the initial phase, but its kinetics has been played down. But, as a result of our half-witted response, even one of our F-15 fighter jets went down due to mechanical or just plain battle fatigue.

However, despite our conflicting interest in the Middle East, the question should not be whether we should or should not intervene in Libya. What our country is facing this moment in history is a moral imperative; whether a tyrannical and madman dictator, Moammar Kaddafi, should be allowed to kill civilians in mass, simply to remain in power? The answer is simple; if our nation stands for freedom and adheres to its own principles, we must not dither when it concerns human rights, and democracy. To do otherwise, is to cave in to immoral diplomatic turpitude and hypocritical self- national-interest. So yes, get the fly-zone of gad-fly Kaddafi out of the lives of the Libyan people. The aforementioned notwithstanding, the moral imperative goes further; in like circumstances, we must apply our principles the same – including with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Yemen, but not limited to – Israel.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

MUBARAK, THE EGYTIAN STORM IS UPON YOU!

By


Joseph Chez

In the spirit of the Egyptian storm God, Seth, the Egyptian people will gouge the eye of the 30 year reign of “dictator” Hosni (Horus) Mubarak. However, the world should know that democracy is not the sole understanding or privilege for western societies. The fact that primarily, the United States of America, England, and other European powers as well as other Middle East regional fiefdoms, have given official recognition, tacit approval of Mubarak’s authoritarian 30 year rule, or provided direct military support for this tyrant, it is clear that the people of Egypt have decided that enough is enough. The thunderous voice of the Egyptians today echoes the cries of Tunisians, Libyans, Syrians, Jordanians, Yemeni, Kuwaiti, Saudi, et al. Yes, the cry for freedom and democracy, just like a desert storm is thundering and blowing winds of change.

Furthermore, Egyptians as well as other peoples of the Middle East decry the West’s position that stability of the region or peace for Israel rest upon the need for oppressive Arab regimes to exist and prosper - in spite of the tight reign on the people. Accordingly, the civil discontent of Egyptians, as well as from other Arab peoples now question the hypocrisy of the West’s explanation that democracy is a process rather than a fair and representative ballot choice of the masses. But wait, Western powers have been eerily quiet so far into the storm for freedom. Instead, those knee-deep in mea culpa can only give benign diplomatic language; they do not directly ask for Mubarak to step down but merely affirm the close and friendly ties with the Mubarak regime. President Obama on the other hand, squeamishly began with a simple demand for freedom to Tweet for the Egyptian people. But just today, Feb 1, 2011, President Obama was more demanding and asked for a smooth transition of government and affirmed the universal rights for democracy and freedom for the Egyptian people. And yet, he could not utter a more direct position in behalf of the U.S., asking for this dictator to step down. This may be why Mubarak has taken a stern position of not resigning until the end of his term ending in September 2011. Thus, Obama’s careful calculated diplomatic mush must therefore be for fear of Mubarak Wiki-liking that Egypt was the destination for U.S. victims of rendition and torture, or that Egypt and Jordan were staging areas for western forces to invade other Arab nations.

What is not a secret to the world is the fact that the U.S. has annually given the Mubarak regime 1.5 billion of U.S. dollars in the form of credit so this tyrant could purchase US and British made security armament. But it should be noted that such armament was certainly not for defense against any out side potential enemy, but rather, for internal civilian control. In addition, much of that foreign aid for security has also filled the pockets full of dollars for all of Mubarak’s internal security cronies. The other 200 plus millions in US aid earmarked for the benefit of civilians, actually never trickled down to the Egyptian on the street. Instead, those millions indeed helped for lavish living abroad for Mubarak’s family and friends, as well as maximizing the bank accounts in Swiss banks of those Egyptians close to the dictator.

Currently, a stand-off continues and Mubarak is not blinking, as Western nations are being a bit squeamish at what type of government may result in the end. Their fear is that a theocratic government replacing the Mubarak regime may in fact pose a great danger to the safety of Israel, the model of democracy for that region – as the West believes. However, it must be noted that Israel is very much a democracy, but immensely religious. And further, while the US, being Israel’s grandest benefactor and personal safety guarantor, pursuit of religion by Arabs is deemed by the West as connected with terrorism. Is this a double standard?

So, into the storm and the Egyptian people thundering their demands, what do they really want? For starters, they want democratic principles in their daily lives as well as economic reform that benefits the people. They want the freedom to choose their leaders, whom ever they may be. They want a popular elected leader – not a dictator, king or pharaoh. And certainly, they do not want the West to dictate whether a fair and popular election is agreeable with the White House, 10 Downing St, or Tel Aviv. Conveniently, the Mubarak regime has been a willing lackey for Western powers for the last 30 years and as a consequence, the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have not moved and inch. The road to peace is designed that way, with approving Arab leaders no doubt. However, the nature of things favors what is only right; history is on the side of the Egyptian people as well as for other Arab nations willing to challenge the status quo.

So, President Barack Obama, it is time to take as stand and be on the right side of history. The Egyptian people are questioning our resolve to stand up for democratic principles – and demand that we mean what we say. You must therefore be clear on the issue, and ask for this dictator to step down.

As for you Hosni Mubarak, it is time for you to leave Egypt. You have dishonored the consent of the Egyptian people and you have betrayed the trust of the nation. If you choose to stand your ground and carry out more injustice upon the Egyptian people, know that the storm is upon you and you will be judged.

Friday, September 25, 2009

PRESIDENT OBAMA REPEATEDLY "PUNKED" THIS WEEK BY NEO-CONS.



By Joseph Chez
Sept. 25, 2009

President Obama was elected overwhelmingly by the American people who voted for CHANGE in our foreign policy. However, the opposition has been working diligently and ferociously to co-opt President Obama’s efforts to RESET our government’s policies.

One must wonder why, when world leaders came to the United Nations for talks on climate change this week, much of the conversation in the U.S. media turned to none other than the “specter” of Iran’s nuclear threat on our nation and our allies. Moreover, what appears not coincidental is that out of the blue, up to four separate terrorist plots were uncovered this week, and the media has been having a hay-day with the conspiracies. Yet, two or three of the plots were actually “FBI sting operations” entrapping would-be terrorist. The other, conceivably a potential terrorist, had been under surveillance for quite some time by the FBI and so far, that individual has only been charged with lying to a federal officer. So the question is, why bring the issue of terrorism during this week? Why set red flags and even place the nation’s public places under high alert?

Also this week, General Stanley Mc Chrystal, the top US military commander in Afghanistan met with the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, to make his case for a considerable surge in troops for Afghanistan. Keep in mind however, that such meeting is out of the ordinary as it does not follow chain of command. In fact, General Mc Chrystal had already submitted his assessment report of the war in Afghanistan to the Secretary of Defense last month. Further, it should be noted that the White House had urged the Pentagon not submit Gen. Mc Chrystal’s assessment to the White House until other options were considered by them. And yet, the report was leaked to the media nonetheless. Not surprised, Republicans on the Hill have therefore been raising the anxiety levels and have been painting President Obama as ambivalent on the security issue.

To top it off this week, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu also appeared before the UN General Assembly and reminded the world of the historical plight of the Jewish State, but he also sounded the alarm from the imminent nuclear threat to the free world by the tyrannical state of Iran. Coincidentally, today’s revelations of a second Iranian nuclear-enrichment facility came from intelligence sources from the UK and France and this raised the anxiety that Iran, indeed, is working on weapons of mass destructions. But wait a minute! Let’s not forget that faulty intel was passed on to the U.S. government by the Brits back in 2002, which coincidentally, became the “smoking gun” and the corner stone for laying the ground work for the invasion of Iraq. Incredibly, this new information is not entirely new, as the CIA has been aware of it for some time. But nevertheless, President Obama felt obligated to stand in solidarity with France, Britain and Israel and assumed the role as the pseudo leader of the new coalition against Iran. Regrettably, President Obama sternly pointed out to Iran, that it was breaking rules that all other nations must follow. He further gave a clear warning, that if Iran did not come clean by October 1, 2009, there would be consequences. Really Mr. President? Now that you’ve drawn a line in the sand (quick sand that is), what will you have the nation do if Iran does not comply? Have you considered the consequences? Whether we actively stop Iran and bomb its facilities, or if these theatrics will only embolden Israel to attack Iran, yes Mr. President, will you allow haste to overtake reason? Do you realize that residual neo-cons remaining in the Pentagon from the former administration, Republicans at the hill, and AIPAC are setting you up (punked) to finish up what they left undone? Please remember that the American people wanted to stop their madness and voted for CHANGE?

Mr. President, before we can make a case before the world against Iran, we first must understand whose interest we are serving. Would it be in our interest to go to war again? Does the industrial-military complex stand to gain from this project, or is AIPAC’s influence simply too much to overcome? I am certainly not an apologist nor sympathetic for the Iranian regime, but Mr. Ahmadinejad does have a point when he argues, that they have the right to pursue a nuclear program just like any other nation, whether it’s the US, the UK, France or Israel. In law, there is a legal maxim which states that, in like circumstances, the law applies the same.

In closing however, I have to remind our President that the neo-con’s agenda is not ours and they must not be allowed to take the reigns of your administration, for they had their turn and their smoking gun was only a hoax.


We must not waiver in the pursuit for peace Mr. President.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

OBAMA MAY HAVE THE LAST WORD IN THE ISRAELI/PALESTINIAN PEACE PROCESS


Sept. 22, 2009

By Joseph Chez

Benjamin Netanyahu was elected Prime Minister of Israel in 1996 reflecting the hawkish attitude of Israel and Netanyahu's own personal promise to derail any peace talks with the Palestinians. He however partially failed, given that the world body wants to resolve the issue of the Palestinian question of a two state solution.

Comprehensive talks on the Israeli/Palestinian issue were taken up by the Madrid/ Oslo Peace Accord beginning in 1991. However, subsequent agreements have followed without success. This may be because Israel has not necessarily been on board, but has felt pressured to participate. Thus, primarily for those reasons, Israel has made it difficult for the Palestinians to meet much of the requirements as called for in the Madrid/Oslo Peace Accord, or subsequent agreements, such as the Hebron Agreement, the Wye River Memorandum, Camp David,The Beirut Summit and most recently, the Road Map for Peace. But despite the core issues of discord - final borders, Jerusalem and the right of return of displaced Palestinians - the most contentious issue has been the continued building of Jewish settlements in contested Palestinian land.

Since July 2002, the United States, Europe, the United Nations and Russia have actively pushed the Road Map for Peace, but with little success. In contravention of previous accords or Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, Israel continues building illegal settlements under its understanding of "natural growth." Israel in addition, has tightened its security in occupied Palestinian land and consequently, Palestinians have suffered in ways which have been deemed "inhuman" by the U.N. General Assembly. Of course, Israel claims its right of self defense and continues to reciprocate attacks on its people by Palestinian insurgents.

In 1996, when Netanyahu was first elected, he initiated the reciprocal policy of retribution against Palestinian or Arab attacks on Israel. His political ticket for election then was for Israel not to participate in the peace process with the Palestinians. Unofficially, the State of Israel has since continued the same doctrine to this day, although, the tit-for-tat military responses against the Palestinians have been "disproportionate" as labeled by the latest United Nation's findings.

On the verge of CHANGE of US policy, President Obama was elected and took office in 2009. Consequently, Israel felt it no longer had the exclusive support of the U.S. and therefore, a coalition of the extreme right, once again, elected Benjamin Netanyahu in April 2009 as Israel's Prime Minister. Regrettably, Netanyahu's political platform was no different this time than in 1996.

President Obama, well respected and with high world popularity, has felt confident in the resolution for peace in the Middle East. However, Benjamin Netanyahu has remained steadfast in his stance of no peace negotiations with the Palestinians or cutting back on settlement building. In fact, as President Obama was calling for an immediate cessation of illegal settlements in contested Palestinian lands, newly elected Netanyahu argued that "natural growth" must continue. To this day, the US government has tacitly accepted that fact.

Today, the first meeting since their election, President Obama and Benjamin Netanyahu met in Washington and it was more than obvious that President Obama showed his frustration with the lack of movement on the peace process. Accordingly, President Obama has asked for the Palestinians to take more concrete measures to assure the security of Israel, while at the same time, he has asked for Israel to provide greater freedom for the Palestinians as well as restrain on continued settlement activity. In sum, President Obama has stated that, " despite all the obstacles, the history, despite the mistrust, we must find a way forward... We can not continue with the same pattern of talking tentative steps forward and then stepping back". He also emphasized that peace negotiations must be given the opportunity to succeed and that even though, it would not be easy, that it was absolutely critical for all parties, including the world.

The question remains however, is whether, despite the hawkish and unyielding Benjamin Netanyahu, will President Obama succeed in his efforts to resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians - over the contested piece of holy land? Is President Obama greater and more influential than any previous prophet? After all, the road to peace has been mired by insurmountable obstacles and endless delays which places any prospect for peace - distant and unattainable.

And yet, while the hawk is resolute in its position against peace and a two state solution, the dove may just have the final word: The United States of America will now recognize the legal and complete political sovereignty of the State of Palestine with borders pre-existing 1967, consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 242, 252 and subsequent United Nations measures, thereof.

Peace.