I work only two buildings away from the Los Angeles Israeli consulate. I have been in the middle of the protests that have gone on over the past few weeks. I am very much amazed that the local news organizations have down played these demonstrations. I've heard everything from "very organized" to "low keyed" as the various reporters have described the events. I was certainly not seeing things the same way they did. Well, the first night was the most intense as far as I could tell. On one side of the street, Palestinian supporters were chanting (yelling) while Israel supporters stood on the other chanting (yelling). These people brought their whole families to the event. Children of all ages in and out of strollers. I took a picture using my phone but failed to have the settings in a way as to really see what was going on. It is what it is.Anyway, I have been thinking about the whole situation in Gaza/Israel. The protesters are calling on Israel to stop their campaign against Hamas. They aren't suggesting Hamas do anything in return.
I am not too terribly sympathetic to either side of this mess. However, it seems to me that if the geography were slightly different, some of these people might have a different tune to sing. You see, Israel responded to missles being fired into Israel from Gaza. These attacks are definitely indescriminate. I wonder how people would respond if Mexico decided to start shelling San Deigo. Would the world be calling on the U.S. to stop defending herself?
2 comments:
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My initial response to the protesters was definitely one of fear. The police have responded better to any of the consecutive rallies they've held since the first night. The first night, however, the police were wearing riot gear and the demonstrators caused Wilshire to be shut down. A big deal since it is a major thoroughfare.
They had another protest a couple nights ago but I was able to get out of the office about the time they were just starting to gear up. The police had bicycle units, a full mounted squad and an ATV squad. I guess things were kept down to proper levels. Incredible, how much police presence is needed for these "small" events.
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