Comment from mjac777

Excellent

Well written but confusing...... are you saying that big bad Israel is killing innocent children?
How myopic and simplistic. You are falling right into their hands..
Let's see ... Hamas has it in their Charter that Israel has no right to exist. Unprovoked, they (Hamas), fire thousands of bombs into Israel - which btw are stored in schools as well as the missile base itself. When Hamas fires the missiles - they then hold up babies and women when Israel tries to defend itself.
I think I have much respect for Australia's stance on this issue. (which is similar to my own). But for whatever reason, the liberal press has decided to take an extremely anti-semitic stand on this. As well as you my dear.

 Comment Written 31-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2014

Thanks for reviewing - sorry it seems to have got you worked up.

Yes, Israel is killing women and children and other innocent civilians. I don't see why that is myopic, it is a simple fact.

I didn't say anything in my piece about Hamas - they are extremist idiots seemingly bent on self destruction. Yes, they are almost certainly storing weapons and ammunition in schools etc but so what? Israel was defending themselves perfectly well against Hamas missiles without having to fire a single one in retaliation.

I am not anti-Semitic, nor have I noticed any particular bias in the press. Maybe this has something to do with what you belive to be such a stand:
Current score: Israel 1500 (mostly civilians) Palestinians 65 (mostly soldiers of an invading army) Time to call off the game?

Steve

Comment from paulah60

Excellent

And Kerry is indeed an idiot. He asked a mother of a fallen IDF soldier, "How's your day?" Really?!!! And though this is a very good tongue-in-cheek piece of writing, your solution bothers me.

It breaks my heart to see civilians killed (and they're killed because they're being used as human shields by Hamas. The Israeli's have WARNED them before they've attacked in order to defend their right to, well, EXIST!).

I see you're from NZs north island. If some hate-filled terrorist faction from the south island decided to launch rockets at the north island for NO GOOD REASON, other than the fact that you dare to claim a right to exist, would you be happy to just sit back? I don't like to make assumptions Steve, but it seems to me that you have not experienced a smidgen of religious vilification for NO GOOD REASON. Easy to sit on the sidelines and offer an answer to a problem when you have a marginal amount of information (that's mostly been distorted). And if you asked the fucking Hamas morons why they hate the Jews, I doubt that even one of them would be able to give you a good reason!

I echo Humpwhistle's sentiments. Your suggestion is totally unworkable!
Shalom,
Paula

 Comment Written 31-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2014

Hi, Paula. Thanks for the review.

My piece was mostly a snipe at sheer stupidity on Kerry's part - not in support of the fucking morons who are extremists with a death-wish.

However, I do believe that Israel had no right to go in boots and all and kill many hundreds of innocents.

South Island versus North - I would say relative size/strength would make Australia versus NZ a better analogy. Would NZ defend ourselves - you bet. Would we slaughter civilians, I sincerely hope not. Israel has the power to stop this...

Current score: Israel 1500 (mostly civilians) Palestinians 65 (mostly soldiers of an invading army) Time to call off the game?

Steve

reply by the author on 01-Aug-2014

PS Did you even read what Humpwhistle wrote?

He was joking, I know he was joking and he knows that I know he was joking

Comment from Kenneth Schaal

Excellent

Sorry Steve, I'm with Humpwhistle on this one. Kerry knows a dead horse when he sees one. I will say, though, the U.S. to often treads where even Angels won't go. Capitalist. Kenny

 Comment Written 31-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2014

Thanks, Kenny

Did you actually read what Humpwhistle wrote?

He was joking, I know he was joking and he knows that I know he was joking.
Steve

reply by Kenneth Schaal on 01-Aug-2014

I had to see the replies to the dynamite write. He was joking with you, I'm sure. I don't like Hamas, though, or any of the ultra conservative Muslims like them. I'm with Israel. I hate to see innocent people hurt, but Hamas knew what was coming.

Comment from Nosha17

Excellent

I agree, he is, but he is just a puppet of the Obama regime who are too scared to do anything that might upset Israel. I read on today's news, that America is sending more ammunition to Israel so they can continue the killing. It is appalling and the world sits by and does nothing about it. Well written commentary which needs to be said.

 Comment Written 31-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2014

Thank you!

Steve

Comment from krys123

Excellent

Steve;
I like you very abrupt, to the point and precise answer to the big question of how we can formulate a better union between the Israelis and the Palestines; "Just bloody start shooting them!" Is a perfect answer to that big question.
This is that you placed in this story is very descriptive in expressive and you are right in writing that the fact that you qualify for this position is better than the fact that he isn't.
Thank you for sharing and posting this for everyone to read and may the Lord be with you always.
Alex

 Comment Written 31-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2014

Thanks, Alex

Steve

Comment from adewpearl

Excellent

on our evening news, and - I added the comma
cleaning out your office, - add comma
I really like your solution to the problem Kerry and the Israelis share - it sure works for me
My daughter, Sawyer's mom, is a very sensitive young lady who gets extremely upset if a baby or an animal is ever harmed, and it is just destroying her to watch the news these days with all those slaughtered children. What do you say about such a thing that even approaches sounding adequate? Brooke

 Comment Written 31-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2014

Thanks, Brooke.

Yes, it is an utterly tragic situation.

Miranda sounds a little like my wife in her sentiments. We have to turn off the TV if there is any suggestion a story may have aspects of animal cruelty.

Steve

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

AHEM!!!!!!!! I know we don't vote for Secretary of State, but if we did, I would vote for you because at least you know what the big problem is.

 Comment Written 31-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2014

Thanks, Barbara.

Guess I might have to go for President first.

Steve

Comment from Loren (7)

Excellent

Wish I had a sis, but ran out a while ago. Regardless, what you've satirized here could not be more acculturate. His position was appointed, though. So you might have to get a bit friendlier with Obama at some golf game he'll be at, I'm sure it will be coming up soon.

 Comment Written 31-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2014

Thanks, Loren.

Our PM has buddied up with Obama on the golf course, but I don't even play the game!

Steve

Comment from Kingsland

Excellent

I agree with your thoughts here. Yesterday Israel bombed a school. This war is wrong on both sides and needs to stop. Civilians are being slaughtered, war is nothing more than a waste of lives for ignorant reasoning. Your short article is well written and I agree with what you have said here... John

 Comment Written 31-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2014

Thanks, John.

I appreciate your support - I've had more rockets fired at me than Israel has!

Steve

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Excellent

You can't stop a war that has gone on for centuries!
We should just stay out of the middle east and let them end it. What is the point? Can't they see it is useless?
They need to get around to the business of living and loving their neighbor. But you are right about Kerry. He is clueless. Nancy

 Comment Written 31-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2014

Thanks, Nancy.

What fired me up was the sheer stupidity of what he said. Stop shooting long enough to talk would be a good start.

Steve