Friday, September 23, 2011

Bravo Netanyahu

Such logic, common sense and truth. Such eloquence. Bravo Bibi!

H/T airforcewife

32 comments:

  1. Brilliant from begining to end. Watch it all.

    img:"http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/phasewest/IsraeliFlagsCardSet.jpg"

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  2. "Better bad press than a good eulogy"

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  3. "The UN institution is the theater of the absurd"

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  4. John Bolton has the right idea defund the UN, they are nothing more now than a mouthpiece for the destruction of the civilized world. Netanyahu just showered the UN with a strong disinfectant, the sunshine of truth!

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  5. Excellent speech. Amazing how telling the simple truth can be so compelling.

    Too bad so few of the audience seemed disposed to support him, at least with applause.

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  6. "You know why we are called Jews? Because we are from Judea."

    Bravo, sir. Bravo.

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  7. I watched it live, his speech both gave me goosebumps and put a lump in my throat.

    God Bless Bibi and Israel.

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  8. OT - Be still my beating heart. I just looked at Drudge and Chris Christie might run!!!!!!!

    Oh please be true...

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  9. I was taking a post-workout shower and switched on the news (I have a huge crush on Megyn Kelly. It's ridiculous. I love her) and when this came on I just sat and watched, enthralled. I couldn't even get dressed!

    He was magnificent; tough and yet human. Facts everywhere, and yet still showing Israel's desire to work WITH the Palestinians for a workable peace.

    And I am so glad he decided to call it like it is with the UN.

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  10. "He was magnificent; tough and yet human. Facts everywhere, and yet still showing Israel's desire to work WITH the Palestinians for a workable peace."

    Well said afw. He was all that.

    The only thing missing from his speech was Golda's truth:

    "Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate ours"

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  11. This conversation has infiltrated everywhere. Two MMA fighters got into on Twitter today, as well.

    http://www.fightopinion.com/2011/09/22/jeff-monson-pat-miletich/

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  12. There is something very, very satisfying when someone speaks the truth.

    The crying shame of it is that it happens SO infrequently that it so noticeable and noteworthy when it happens.

    As a friend I worked with put it, "Most every one at the U.N. would tell a lie, and the rest of them would climb a tree and swear to it."

    As we are the largest contributor to the U.N. we should stop giving them the long green. Then suggest that perhaps a fine international body such as the U.N. might like to move their entire operation to that well known and peaceful location, Gaza. After all, I am SURE that such kindred spirits would get along swimmingly.

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  13. and I bet the world body would be begging on their knees crying and moaning, "oh please don't shut us down" if we had a leader with some big brass ones to say enough is enough and Brussels or some such country can have the UN!

    Just like leaders of local cities came to Washington when we announced base closures in Europe.

    Funny isn't it , they love our greenbacks but hate the hell out of us!

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  14. (Jourdan) -

    These things mean a lot more to me now that I serve at the UN. I was particularly struck by Netanyahu's aside that he knows from personal experience as Israel's ambassador that many good men and women serve their nations capably there. This is very true and this statement raised my respect for the man.

    The UN is a strange world, but, like everything, whether it acts as a theatre of the absurd depends on one's perspective.

    The largest lesson I have learned over my two years now as a U.S. delegate is this: many, many nations do not function in any way a Westerner would recognize and are often nothing more than than organized crime. Yet, even in such states, there are elements, people, trying to do the right thing.

    In this environment, this reality, there is no room for simply shrugging one's shoulders and walking away. (Or so the majority view holds. Personally, I'd like to wall off the West and let the rest go to hell). Everything is interconnected today. A bribe here affects details on the ground in Munich, Vancouver. A ship here may pollute Long Beach or London.

    So, in painful fits and starts, the UN pretends (and EVERYONE KNOWS THAT THIS IS PRETEND) that all states are on the same playing field. And, step by step, inch by inch, those who need guidance and help are nudged in the right direction. Progress is slow, and it's two steps forward and one-and-three-quarters backwards.

    BUT having states at least officially acknowledge this or that international norm (read: Western norm) as binding does encourage those who are trying to do good and does move states, painfully slowly, in the right direction, on the margins.

    Thus, from a UN prespective, having North Korea in the Chair isn't dumb, it's a chance to put NK on the spot and to force them to act the part here and there. Yes, of course, they can ignore this and very well may.

    But the alternative--Western rule--is simply not possible.

    I understand this issue and Israel's predictament, believe me. I spent 5 hours just two days ago taking notes as Arab state after Arab state repeated the same talking points on Israel. BUT, note that Israel is there.

    The fact is that a huge majority of UN member states cannot even provide drinking water. Personally, I think a good dose of Empire would be more humanitarian than the American vision of democracy for all, but history has put a revolutionary state in the driver's seat.

    On the specifics, let me recomment two steps Israel could take to improve its international organization effectiveness: 1) like Egypt, UAE and Syria, find ambassadors who speak flawless English; and 2) join the NPT.

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  15. Thanks for posting this and for the comments. I'm only catching up now after Shabbat. I put up a post about it just now at my own place.

    There were several points that Bibi made that were a "bingo!" moment:

    Stating that Israel gets an unfair hearing at the UN. Calling it the “theatre of the absurd” is spot on;

    Netanyahu’s definition of Militant Islam as the major threat to the civilized world. It’s about time someone said it out loud. Some political incorrectness never did anyone any harm.

    I applauded him for stating that the land for peace formula hasn’t worked out for Israel as planned.

    Quotable quote: “Better a bad press than a good eulogy”

    Good for him for declaring that a Judenrein Palestine, which Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had quite clearly demanded a few days ago, was ethnic cleansing. Where is political correctness when it comes to the Jews?

    Similarly, calling out Abbas for talking about Israel’s occupation 63 years, and explaining that Abbas is in effect calling the whole of Israel “occupied territory” and by definition illegal.

    Kudos for mentioning the absurdity of the accusation that Israel is “judaising Jerusalem”. Again, it's about time someone said it out loud.

    And thank you Mr.Netanyahu for reminding the world of the one Jew left in Gaza – Gilad Shalit – who is receiving no human rights whatsoever.

    But really, I wanted to cheer every line. What a shame that the hall looked half empty, despite the scattered applause.

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  16. Jourdan, thank you for your insight from the inside of the lion's den.

    "So, in painful fits and starts, the UN pretends (and EVERYONE KNOWS THAT THIS IS PRETEND) that all states are on the same playing field. And, step by step, inch by inch, those who need guidance and help are nudged in the right direction. Progress is slow, and it's two steps forward and one-and-three-quarters backwards.

    BUT having states at least officially acknowledge this or that international norm (read: Western norm) as binding does encourage those who are trying to do good and does move states, painfully slowly, in the right direction, on the margins.

    Thus, from a UN prespective, having North Korea in the Chair isn't dumb, it's a chance to put NK on the spot and to force them to act the part here and there. Yes, of course, they can ignore this and very well may."


    Looking at things from this corner of the world I find it hard to agree with you. I haven't seen that having the likes of Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon on the Security Council having the slightest modifying influence on them. I haven't seen that having Libya and Syria on the Human Wrongs, er, Rights Council has helped one single slave or prostitute or starving child. As for challenging NK, when did that happen? Obviously when I wasn't looking. On the contrary, the totalitarian countries and dictatorships find it very easy to turn "human rights" upside down and use it as a weapon against the west - particularly against Israel. Have you seen any improvement in human rights in any of those countries? I think this is wishful thinking, no offence intended at you personally.

    As to your recommendations:

    On the specifics, let me recomment two steps Israel could take to improve its international organization effectiveness: 1) like Egypt, UAE and Syria, find ambassadors who speak flawless English;
    Agreed 100%. I despair sometimes at the ineloquence of our spokespeople, especially when we have the likes of Bibi available.
    and

    2) join the NPT.
    No no no!!! That would bring in the nuclear inspectors in 10 seconds flat, exposing our nuclear (or non-nuclear) secrets and demanding that we go first in the region in disarming ourselves. No way. Not gonna happen.

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  17. While we're on the topic of the UN, Latma TV (founded by Caroline Glick) has come up with another brilliant satirical video:

    someone to hate

    Watch it and laugh. And weep...

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  18. I'm going to have to side with annie on this one. I think that it is easy to see individuals who "know the game". And I think these individuals are more likely to be located in places like the UN, where they send someone to talk to poverty stricken African countries about the importance of paying teachers a living wage - and they fly them there business class.

    Don't get me wrong, I'm all Capitalist Pig about flying business class. I find it revolting that supposed human rights orgs and charities do. I don't donate my money to such establishments for comfortable airlines chairs.

    I don't see a trickle down effect from using kid gloves on terrorists in international forums. How has Iran been held back by allowing that midget in a Member's Only jacket to vomit over an international podium? How has the world moved forward with Chavez's idiotic "I smell the devil" antics? I think it gives people a false sense of superiority when they see their leaders doing such things.

    Could I be wrong? It's been known to happen once or twice. But while I absolutely see the point that the UN is not populated with western-style governments, and I understand completely the fact that it's impossible to expect an organization made of mainly dictatorships to behave in a democratic manner, I don't see how that's my problem.

    As an example: I tell my kid to do their work. They don't. I explain what will happen if they don't do their work. They still don't. They fail their class and beg me to talk to their teacher to get a passing grade or allow them to turn in late work to bring the grade up. I refuse.

    Consequences. Next time you'll do your damn work.

    And I think the LACK of real consequences is the biggest cause of problems we have. The UN seems to actively thwart consequences.

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  19. "Bloody Truth"

    I attempted, but failed to embed this video. I'd recommend, obviously, that you watch it.

    It is the perfect complement to the discussion here. A very good discussion I'll add.

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  20. On my way to work, this morning, listening to 'Weekend Edition' on NPR (consider it oppostion research) I heard a lengthy story about The Palestinian request for statehood.

    It detailed the reasons they gave, and then at the end of the piece the reporter noted that Abbas had asked to restart negotiations with Israel.

    There was not a single word in the story about Netanyahu's truths, or his near begging for Abbas to be a true partner for peace.

    As usual, this media outlet showed the intense bias against Israel, and Jews, that can only come from ingrained anti-semitism.

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  21. I'm with Annie and AFW completely.

    As Bibi said, the UN has condemned Israel more than it has all the other nations in the world combined. Giving tyrants leadership roles in bodies such as the UN only enables them, not make them work within a more peaceful framework.

    And just what is this "Western norm?" It is wrong to strap bombs to children? It is wrong to kill rape victims for dishonoring their family? It is wrong to stone girls to death because they ran out of their burning dormitory without their burkas? It is wrong to shot two-year-olds in their sleep?

    If that is the "Western norm," then give me more of it.

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  22. Thanks for the insight, Jourdan and Annie.

    I agree with Annie 100% on the whole "join NPT" thing.

    I also think "western rule", or at least the restoration of western civilization, IS possible. First, refuse to participate in the despicable UN. Second, cut off the money spigot to third-world hellholes. Third, arm ourselves to the teeth.

    I'm sick to death of bowing and scraping to cultures and countries who hate our guts. I'm also completely fed up with exporting our hard-earned treasure instead of utilizing it to enrich and empower our own western nations.

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  23. (Jourdan:)

    Well, I was describing the UN view, not my own. My personal view is radically different. (Except for the last para about Israel MFA needing better English speakers and joining the NPT).

    Today, Saudia Arabia announced that women will receive the vote in 2015. THIS is what I was referring to about slow "progress" towards Western norms.

    The most important thing to realize, however, is that the UN is modern America writ large. From democracy to human rights to womens' lib to HIV policy, the USG drives the place. If you think the U.S. should leave the UN, you either: 1) are a revolutionary; or 2) do not understant what USG is.

    I recommend lots of Mencius Moldbug if you fall into category 2 above.

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  24. Jourdan, happy to hear (read) an insiders view of the UN.

    I can, actually, understand that they (the UN) might want to keep even the most vile of regimes (think Iran, North Korea, and many others) within the fold, in the hopes of bringing them to some semblance of civilization.

    However, with the citizens (if not the governments) of those nations which are actually already civilized, they make themselves look like little more than a tool for these purely evil regimes hoping to remake the world in their images, instead of the image of the democratic western countries.

    In other words, it is hard to respect someone who stands behind your enemies instead of your friends.

    They need to remember that, in many instances, appearance IS reality, without regard to any underlying reason.

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  25. Jourdan said:

    Well, I was describing the UN view, not my own

    For one, I certainly knew that as I read the first post. Where I once disagreed with Jourdan on the topic, (re: Western Civilization per se)I've come to be just possibly even more rabid about it.

    That said, I disagree with the idea of Israel going anywhere near the NPT ... as Annie said, that would bring more grief than any benefit .. and not solve a thing.

    Where I agree most is that the UN is a stage for pissants to preen, and it needs to be in NYC in my opinion ... the better to watch them. In some cases there is a chance that inch by inch some may evolve in to civilized states, but I rather don't care about that. "Showboats" need a stage and if we sent it offshore it would only be worse.

    I've been a fan of Bibi since Desert Strom circa 1990-1991, when I heard an interview with him in a bunker while Iraqi Scuds were falling on Israel.

    I apologize for not posting sooner or more often, but lately I've found my political attitudes to be so hostile that they are best left unshared.

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  26. "I apologize for not posting sooner or more often, but lately I've found my political attitudes to be so hostile that they are best left unshared."

    I don't agree with you here. At least for me, I'd rather you let it out versus let it eat you. Besides, don't you think most of us here feel the same way about politics?

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  27. Luther ... yes, I realize most here have the same feelings. However, most here are not as vile and vindictive when speaking out, so there are times I must measure my comments ... out of respect to he others here, including you.

    An example is my comment elsewhere on the non-existent 2012 budget. What I really think is a crime to write and publish, literally. Think: old time western state vigilantism. I have zero respect for both Congress and the Executive Office, and very little for the Judiciary.

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  28. We missed you aridog. I understand what you're saying; some days I'm so angry and frustrated that I could climb up on my roof and scream my head off.

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  29. "I realize most here have the same feelings. However, most here are not as vile and vindictive when speaking out, so there are times I must measure my comments "

    Hell. You should see the dozens of posts I've deleted before posting, or even AFTER posting, upon a re-read.

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  30. "...old time western state vigilantism. I have zero respect for both Congress and the Executive Office, and very little for the Judiciary."

    Allow me to share this feeling with you. It is why I often think of shutting my computer down, don't glance at the headlines of my wife's newspaper, never watch TV or radio. At a guess I'm sure I would be a healthier person if I did so. But it is our nature to stay engaged, Ari, though I'm of course putting words in your mouth. I'm guessing it is the nature of all who come here to write and discuss. We can't turn off the world, we can't give up.

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  31. RE: Dances #30

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    There are many comments I delete simply because I figure that if I can't add more to the conversations than an expletive-filled rant, then it isn't worth your time to read it. Just because I have definite thoughts on a subject does not necessarily mean that I have any thing new to add. And we are all to busy for regurgitation.

    Aridog, please come by more often. Even if I may not agree with you 100% of the time, what you bring to the table is worth considering.

    And we were beginning to worry about you....

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