Mn-prog-events Mailing List: Progressive Calendar 10.16.06

[David Shove (shove001]

            P R O G R E S S I V E   C A L E N D A R     10.16.06

1. 2 court cases     10.16 9am
2. UN reform         10.16 12:15pm
3. Save CUHCC/health 10.16 5:30pm
4. US empire 101     10.16 5:30pm
5. Stop coal power   10.16 6pm (& 1pm)
6. Trudell/film      10.16 6:30pm
7. Weinglass/Cuban 5 10.16 7pm
8. Ken Pentel/Gov    10.16 7pm
9. Risser(GP)debates 10.16 8pm
10. Battered women   10.16-17

11. Palestine        10.17 5pm
12. Hands off Venez  10.17 6pm
13. Salon celebrates 10.17 6:30pm
14. Muslim/Farheen   10.17 7pm
15. Brazil/globe     10.17 7pm

16. Uri Avnery - Gaza as laboratory: the great experiment

--------1 of 16--------

From: Michelle Gross <mgresist [at] minn.net>
Subject: 2 court cases 10.16 9am

CASE UPDATES
Although we get new cases every week, we are not able to share all of them
with you due to the sensitive nature of their legal proceedings. Often when
we are talking to people, they don't even have a lawyer yet.  Still, we
will update our readers on cases whenever we can and we appreciate anything
you can do to support these survivors in their quest for justice.

Johnny Boyd
Trial Monday, October 16th, 9:00 a.m.
Hennepin County Government Center
300 S 6th Street, Minneapolis
Johnny is a 22-year-old African American man.  He and a few other young
men were simply hanging out and socializing last April when Minneapolis
cops rolled up on them.  Two of the men took off running and because he
didn't want to get left behind to be beaten up, Johnny started running,
too.  The cops caught him and gave him the adrenaline treatment--they
viciously beat him so badly that he required stitches all over the inside
of his mouth and he got other head injuries.  He is suffering from
permanent effects of the beating.  He has been charged with a felony gun
charge, though he and his friends have stated emphatically that he never
had a gun and the police reports describe a very different person as the
one who threw the gun down.  Johnny has been in jail awaiting trial since
last April.  He has been looking forward to his trial so that he can clear
his name and go home.  Johnny would also appreciate receiving cards and
short notes in jail: Johnny D. Boyd, 401 S 4th Street, Suite 100,
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Bob Heberle and Roger Cuthbertson
Trial Monday, October 16th, 9:00 a.m.
Room 1559
Hennepin County Government Center
300 S 6th Street, Minneapolis
A jury trial has been scheduled for Bob Heberle and Roger Cuthbertson for
their actions in perhaps the most creative protest against Dick Cheney
anywhere.  These two brave souls and others staged a floating protest
against the repugnant Bush-Cheney agenda on Lake Minnetonka behind the
home of a woman who was hosting a fundraiser for ultraright state senator
Michele Bachmann on June 26, 2006.  Bob and Roger were arrested when they
mounted rafts and tried to deliver a letter to Cheney.  They are charged
with "creating a public nuisance on watercraft," a bullsh*t charge if
there ever was one.  After all, Cheney poses far more of a nuisance (and
worse) than two guys on rafts.  The maximum penalty is 90 days and/or
$1,000.

This trial is perhaps one last chance to see the very sharp Judge Thor
Anderson in action.  Anderson will be retiring soon.  As the author of a
number of texts still used in law schools, he has a keen legal mind, a
great sense of humor, and is a genuine pleasure to watch in the courtroom.

---
From: Roger Cuthbertson <rojo [at] visi.com>

After 2 delays and two changes of location, the trial of Bob Heberle and
Roger Cuthbertson has begun! The trial will resume at 9AM Monday, 10/16/06
at room 1559, Hennepin County Courthouse, 6th St. and 3rd Ave, in downtown
Minneapolis.  Jury selection is partially complete.  The trial itself will
follow.  We expect the trial to last all of Monday and a good part of
Tuesday, as well.  Judge Thor Anderson is presiding.  Supporters and
interested observers from the public are encouraged to come to the trial.
It should be interesting!  Thank you to those of you who have been with us
for all or part of the time so far during all of these delays and changes.
Wage peace!  Roger Cuthbertson


--------2 of 16--------

From: humanrts [at] UMN.EDU
Subject: UN reform 10.16 12:15pm

October 16, 2006
12:15 p.m.
Auerbach Commons, Mondale Hall
University of Minnesota Law School
229 19th Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Please RSVP to Eissa Villaseņor, vill0146 [at] umn.edu

Ambassador Claudia Fritsche of the Principality of Liechtenstein will
speak on Liechtenstein, the U.S. and the U.N. Human Rights Council.  This
lecture will take place at 12:15 p.m. on October 16, 2006 in Auerbach
Commons at the University of Minnesota Law School.  Liechtenstein is at
the forefront of current reformation of U.N. human rights mechanisms. The
current U.N. Human Rights Council (formerly the Human Rights Commission)
is the result of reform movements within the U.N. and a response to
criticism that U.N. human rights bodies were slow and ineffective.  The
event will be hosted by the Law Student chapter of Amnesty International
and the University of Minnesota Human Rights Center.

Ambassador Claudia Fritsche assumed her duties as the first resident
Ambassador of Liechtenstein in Washington in October 2002.  Before
assuming her post, Ambassador Fritsche served as Liechtenstein's Permanent
Representative to the United Nations from 1999 to 2002.

Liechtenstein has been a strong advocate of U.N. reform in order to make
the organization more efficient and better equipped to meet the challenges
of the 21st century, specifically in the area of international human
rights.  Liechtenstein was a strong proponent of the establishment of the
Human Rights Council and is actively advocating for the strengthening of
the U.N. treaty body system.  Ambassador Fritsche will utilize her
considerable experience to educate University of Minnesota students,
faculty, and community members on the evolving reform process in the U.N.
and the further development of the relationship between the U.S. and the
Principality of Liechtenstein.

**Ambassador Fritsche will also be speaking on October 17, 2006 at 3:30
p.m. at the Humphrey Institute in Room 215 on "Transatlantic Relations and
Global Governance: The Growing Role of Multilateral Cooperation."  That
event is sponsored by the Center for Austrian Studies, the Department of
Political Science, the Department of Sociology, and the Humphrey Institute
of Public Affairs.  See http://www.cas.umn.edu for more details.


--------3 of 16--------

From: Krista Gallagher <krista.gallagher [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Save CUHCC/health 10.16 5:30pm

SAVE THE COMMUNITY UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE CENTER

In 1966, the Community University Health Care Center (CUHCC) opened its
doors to "provide primary care services to children and low income
families in South Minneapolis."

93% of CUHCC's patients live below 200% of poverty (2004). The Clinic has
offered sliding scale health care to the uninsured and translation to
those in need.

CUHCC's success in bringing health care to generations of vulnerable South
Minneapolis families is a matter of public record.

The dedicated medical, dental, mental health and legal staff of CUHCC have
provided essential services to the community for forty years.  Now the
Clinic is being jeopardized.

DELAY THE VOTE! PROTECT THE STAFF! SAVE CUHCC!

On Monday, October 16th, the CUHCC Board will vote on a proposal to cut
more than 20 staff positions, ostensibly to begin paying a $2.5 million
"debt" to its medical "mentor" and "partner" the University of Minnesota's
Academic Health Center.

If passed, this proposal will make it impossible for CUHCC to carry out
its mission. If passed, CUHCC will be effectively one step closer to
closing its doors.

There is no need to make this decision on Monday.

We call on the CUHCC Board and the University of Minnesota to delay
action.

Monday is 23 days from Government Elections that could dramatically alter
the landscape and create options that don't appear to exist currently.

CUHCC's staff, the Community it serves and Minnesotans who still believe
in the University's mission of public service deserve the opportunity to
save the Clinic.

PLEASE TAKE THESE ACTION STEPS NOW:

* Call CUHCC Board Chair Brenda Johnson - 612-387-2038
* Call University President Bruininks - 612-626-1616/ fax 612-625-3875
* Send them an immediate letter

* Attend Monday's CUHCC Board Meeting
5:30 p.m. - October 16th
CUHCC Clinic
2001 Bloomington Ave S. (at Franklin)


--------4 of 16--------

From: Charles Underwood <charleyunderwood [at] hotmail.com>
Subject:  US empire 101 10.16 5:30pm

Mondays, 9/11 to 11/13, 5:30 to 8 pm, free class "American Empire 101" with
U of M prof Richard Martinez, Jack Pine Center, 2815 E Lake, Mpls.
612-624-6005.


--------5 of 16--------

From: Cesia Kearns <cesia.kearns [at] sierraclub.org>
Subject: Stop coal power 10.16 6pm (& 1pm)

Demand Clean Energy
Stop Global Warming

Stop Big Stone II - attend important public hearing on the proposed Big
Stone II coal plant expansion

ACTION NEEDED:  Attend the hearing at the Public Utilities Commission in
Saint Paul to show the commissioners that the public is deeply concerned
about more coal fired power pollution coming to Minnesota.  We encourage
individuals and groups to testify, sharing opposition to transmitting more
coal fired power from Big Stone II, and speak in support of clean
renewable alternatives like wind power.

WHEN: Monday, October 16th 6:00pm (another hearing is also held at 1:00pm)

WHERE: Public Utilities Commission in the Metro Square Building in
downtown Saint Paul: 121 7th Place E. Suite 300 in the large hearing room.
For directions and more information visit www.northstar.sierraclub.org

BACKGROUND: Otter Tail Power and other Minnesota utilities want to expand
a new 600MW coal-fired power plant and build transmission lines across
Minnesota.  We know burning coal releases fine particulates that
contribute to lung and heart problems and asthma. Coal plants are the
largest source of mercury pollution that causes neurobehavioral disorders,
as well as carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming.  Minnesota
can invest in a clean energy future by developing renewable energy sources
like wind, solar, and biomass - energy sources that protect our health and
environment and support a more sustainable rural economy.

If you plan to attend, please contact Cesia (saysha) Kearns to get more
information and a button supporting wind power 612-659-9124 email:
cesia.kearns [at] sierraclub.org

Cesia G. Kearns Conservation Organizer Sierra Club, North Star Chapter
2327 E. Franklin Ave, #1 Minneapolis, MN 55406 office: 612.659.9124


--------6 of 16--------

From: wamm <wamm [at] mtn.org>
Subject: Trudell/film 10.16 6:30pm

Third Monday Movie: "Trudell," indigeneous justice

Monday, October 16, 6:30 p.m. St. Joan of Arc Church, Hospitality Hall,
4537 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis.  "Trudell" is a documentary story,
with film clips of today and yesterday, of Native American John Trudell, a
passionate and articulate advocate for indigenous justice. In 1979 while
protesting U.S. policy on American Indian affairs he burned a flag on the
steps of the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. and within hours his
pregnant wife, three children and mother-in-law were killed in a fire on a
Nevada reservation. Today John Trudell speaks and reads his poetry to
college students, peace activists, religious groups, etc.  Sponsored by:
WAMM.


--------7 of 16--------

From: Minnesota Cuba Committee <mncuba [at] usfamily.net>
Subject: Weinglass/Cuban 5 10.16 7pm

LEONARD WEINGLASS:
Can U.S. "Political Prisoners" Get A Fair Trial?
THE STORY OF THE CUBAN FIVE

Opponents of our foreign policy, tried for espionage in a hostile
community. What their conviction says about our convictions

Monday, October 16, 2006, 7 p.m.
Room 325, William Mitchell College of Law Auditorium,
875 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul
1-888-WMCL-LAW | (651) 227-9171
http://www.wmitchell.edu/lectures/Cuban-5+National-Lawyers-Guild.html

Unreported by the media, the story of the Cuban 5 is told by one of their
appeals attorneys: Leonard Weinglass, veteran of trials including the
Pentagon Papers, the Chicago 7, and Mumia Abu-Jamal. With union activist
and filmmaker Gloria La Riva.

In 1998, the FBI incarcerated five Cubans who were monitoring
organizations that terrorized their homeland-groups based in Miami and
allegedly supported by the CIA. The Cuban 5 were tried and convicted of
conspiracy to commit espionage in the one place they would never get a
fair jury: Miami. Civil rights attorney Leonard Weinglass, with union
activist Gloria La Riva, will discuss the conviction and the appeal for a
retrial.

Sponsored by William Mitchell Public Square Lecture Series/National
Lawyers Guild; Co-sponsored by the William Mitchell Latino/a Law Student
Association, American Civil Liberties Union, and Amnesty International.

The Minnesota Cuba Committee meets every other week at Holy Trinity
Church, 2730 E. 31st Street, Minneapolis. The next meeting will be 6:30,
Thursday, October 5, 2006.


--------8 of 16--------

From: Ken Pentel <kenpentel [at] yahoo.com>
Subject: Ken Pentel/Gov 10.16 7pm

NEXT MEETING
Monday October 16
Bryant Square Park, 3101 Bryant Ave S.,
Minneapolis
Time: 7pm
Agenda: Short meeting, team-up and flyer.


--------9 of 16--------

From: Diane J. Peterson <birch7 [at] comcast.net>
Subject: Risser debates 10.16 8pm

Fellow Greens,
On behalf of Julie Risser, our Green candidate for the Minnesota Senate, I
am forwarding an announcement and appeal (below) for support from Greens.
Her Senate district covers Edina and West Bloomington.  She has a unique
opportunity to woo votes from those who were anticipating supporting the
DFL-endorsed candidate, Andrew Borene.  Although the DFL seemed confident
Borene could win against the Republican incumbent, Borene recently
withdrew from the race due to health problems, so now Risser faces the
Republican incumbent alone.
- Diane J. Peterson White Bear Lake, Minnesota birch7 [at] comcast.net

With a little less than one month to go Risser 4 Senate District 41 is
kicking into high gear. We need people to reach out to friends and
neighbors in the district and spread the word - Andrew Borene's name
remains on the ballot - he is no longer running - Julie Risser is THE
challenger to incumbent Geoff Michel.

Anybody who has time to lit drop please contact Julie at 952-927-7538 or
952-738-2308. If you don't have a sign in your yard and would like one
also call that number or send an e-mail to julie.risser [at] visi.com

Also come to the debates!

There will be League of Women Voter Candidate Forums:

The Bloomington League of Women Voters candidate forum for Senate District
41, and House 41B will be held on Monday October 16th at Bloomington City
Council Chambers, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road from 8:00-9:00. Come hear
Julie Risser, Geoff Michel, Paul Rosenthal and Neil Peterson

The Edina League of Women Voters candidate forums will be held in the
Edina Community Center, 5701 Normandale Road, Edina Room 349.

· On October 17th State House of Representative candidates for District
41A will debate from 7:00-8:00 pm, State House of Representative
candidates for District 41B will debate from 8:30-9:30. Come hear Ron
Erhardt and Jeff Rich

· On October 24th City Council Candidates will debate from 7:00-8:00.

· On October 30th State Senate Candidates will debate from 7:00-8:00 -
come hear Julie Risser and Geoff Michel.

To unseat Geoff Michel we need as much grass roots effort as possible -
please spread the word - Voters need to realize Andrew's name remains on
the ballot but he is not running - VOTE RISSER on November 7th.


--------10 of 16--------

From: erin [at] mnwomen.org
Subject: Battered women 10.16-17

October 16-17: Battered Women's Legal Advocacy Project New Laws Trainings
co-sponsored by Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women at Chrysalis Center
for Women, 4432 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis. Space is limited, register info
at www.mcbw.org


--------11 of 16--------

From: Eric Angell <eric-angell [at] riseup.net>
Subject: Palestine 10.17 5pm

"Our World In Depth" airs at 5 pm and midnight each Tuesday and 10 am each
Wednesday on SPNN Channel 15.

10/17 and 10/18 "Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and the US" Background on key
events in the Middle East with Florence Steichen and Karen Redleaf.
 Hosted by Eric Angell.

"Our World In Depth" features analysis of public affairs with
consideration of and participation from Twin Cities area activists.  The
show is (mostly) local and not corporately influenced! For information
about future programming of "Our World In Depth", please send an e-mail to
eric-angell [at] riseup.net.


--------12 of 16--------

From: Charles Underwood <charleyunderwood [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: Hands off Venezuela 10.17 6pm

Tuesday, 10/17, 6 pm, Hands Off Venezuela meets to discuss establishing an
emergency response network prior to the December elections, Resource Center
of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave, Mpls.  msp [at] ushov.org


--------13 of 16--------

From: Patty Guerrero <pattypax [at] earthlink.net>
Subject: Salon celebration 10.17 6:30pm

This Tuesday, October 17, we will be celebrating the start of the 4th year
for our Salons.  Hope you can come and join us.  If you want, bring
something to share.  Tea, coffee, wine in house.

Pax Salons ( http://justcomm.org/pax-salon )
are held (unless otherwise noted in advance):
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Mad Hatter's Tea House,
943 W 7th, St Paul, MN

Salons are free but donations encouraged for program and treats.
Call 651-227-3228 or 651-227-2511 for information.


--------14 of 16--------

From: dahl0665 [at] umn.edu
Subject: Muslim/Farheen 10.17 7pm

Lifting the Veil

The Muslim Student Association, Women's Student Activist Collective, and
the College Greens will be co-sponsoring an event on campus entitled,
"Lifting the Veil: Muslim Women in American Politics." This event will
feature Farheen Hakeem, a local political activist, Girl Scout leader,
school teacher, and, of course, a Muslim woman. Farheen ran in the
Minneapolis mayoral race last year and is currently in the midst of her
campaign for a Hennepin County Commissioner seat.

This event will consist of a short talk by Farheen about her experiences
in politics, followed by a panel discussion with representatives of the
three organizing student groups, and then as much time as needed for
questions from the audience.

The event will take place next Tuesday, October 17 at 7:00 pm in Willey
Hall, room 175 on the West Bank campus of the University. We hope that you
can join us for this important discussion!


--------15 of 16---------

From: Charles Underwood <charleyunderwood [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: Brazil/globe 10.17 7pm

Tuesday, 10/17, 7 to 8:30 pm, Brazilian theologian Lena Boff speaks on
"Solidarity and Communion in a Globalized World," $10, Presentation of Our
Lady Chapel, 1890 Randolph, St Paul.  www.wisdomwaycenter.org


--------16 of 16---------

Gaza as Laboratory
The Great Experiment
By URI AVNERY
CounterPunch
October 14-15, 2006

IS IT possible to force a whole people to submit to foreign occupation by
starving it?

That is, certainly, an interesting question. So interesting, indeed, that
the governments of Israel and the United States, in close cooperation with
Europe, are now engaged in a rigorous scientific experiment in order to
obtain a definitive answer.

The laboratory for the experiment is the Gaza Strip, and the guinea pigs
are the million and a quarter Palestinians living there.

In order to meet the required scientific standards, it was necessary first
of all to prepare the laboratory.

That was done in the following way: First, Ariel Sharon uprooted the
Israeli settlements that were stuck there. After all, you can't conduct a
proper experiment with pets roaming around the laboratory. It was done
with "determination and sensitivity", tears flowed like water, the
soldiers kissed and embraced the evicted settlers, and again it was shown
that the Israeli army is the most-most in the world.

With the laboratory cleaned, the next phase could begin: all entrances and
exits were hermetically sealed, in order to eliminate disturbing
influences from the world outside. That was done without difficulty.
Successive Israeli governments have prevented the building of a harbor in
Gaza, and the Israeli navy sees to it that no ship approaches the shore.
The splendid international airport, built during the Oslo days, was bombed
and shut down. The entire Strip was closed off by a highly effective
fence, and only a few crossings remained, all but one controlled by the
Israeli army.

There remained a sole connection with the outside world: the Rafah border
crossing to Egypt. It could not just be sealed off, because that would
have exposed the Egyptian regime as a collaborator with Israel. A
sophisticated solution was found: to all appearances the Israeli army left
the crossing and turned it over to an international supervision team. Its
members are nice guys, full of good intentions, but in practice they are
totally dependent on the Israeli army, which oversees the crossing from a
nearby control room. The international supervisors live in an Israeli
kibbutz and can reach the crossing only with Israeli consent.

So everything was ready for the experiment.


* * *

THE SIGNAL for its beginning was given after the Palestinians had held
spotlessly democratic elections, under the supervision of former President
Jimmy Carter. George Bush was enthusiastic: his vision of bringing
democracy to the Middle East was coming true.

But the Palestinians flunked the test. Instead of electing "good Arabs",
devotees of the United States, they voted for very bad Arabs, devotees of
Allah. Bush felt insulted. But the Israeli government was ecstatic: after
the Hamas victory, the Americans and Europeans were ready to take part in
the experiment. It could start:

The United States and the European Union announced the stoppage of all
donations to the Palestinian Authority, since it was "controlled by
terrorists". Simultaneously, the Israeli government cut off the flow of
money.

To understand the significance of this: according to the "Paris Protocol"
(the economic annex of the Oslo agreement) the Palestinian economy is part
of the Israeli customs system. This means that Israel collects the duties
for all the goods that pass through Israel to the Palestinian territories
- actually, there is no other route. After deducting a fat commission,
Israel is obligated to turn the money over to the Palestinian Authority.

When the Israeli government refuses to pass on this money, which belongs
to the Palestinians, it is, simply put, robbery in broad daylight. But
when one robs "terrorists", who is going to complain?

The Palestinian Authority - both in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip -
needs this money like air for breathing. This fact also requires some
explanation: in the 19 years when Jordan occupied the West Bank and Egypt
the Gaza Strip, from 1948 to 1967, not a single important factory was
built there. The Jordanians wanted all economic activity to take place in
Jordan proper, east of the river, and the Egyptians neglected the strip
altogether.

Then came the Israeli occupation, and the situation became even worse. The
occupied territories became a captive market for Israeli industry, and the
military government prevented the establishment of any enterprise that
could conceivably compete with an Israeli one.

The Palestinian workers were compelled to work in Israel for hunger wages
(by Israeli standards). From these, the Israeli government deducted all
the social payments levied on Israeli workers, without the Palestinian
workers enjoying any social benefits. This way the government robbed these
exploited workers of tens of billions of dollars, which disappeared
somehow in the bottomless barrel of the government.

When the intifada broke out, the Israeli captains of industry and
agriculture discovered that it was possible to get along without the
Palestinian workers. Indeed, it was even more profitable. Workers brought
in from Thailand, Romania and other poor countries were ready to work for
even lower wages and in conditions bordering on slavery. The Palestinian
workers lost their jobs.

That was the situation at the beginning of the experiment: the Palestinian
infrastructure destroyed, practically no means of production, no work for
the workers. All in all, an ideal setting for the great "experiment in
hunger".


* * *

THE IMPLEMENTATION started, as mentioned, with the stoppage of payments.

The passage between Gaza and Egypt was closed in practice. Once every few
days or weeks it was opened for some hours, for appearances' sake, so that
some of the sick and dead or dying could get home or reach Egyptian
hospitals.

The crossings between the Strip and Israel were closed "for urgent
security reasons". Always, at the right moment, "warnings of an imminent
terrorist attack" appeared. Palestinian agricultural products destined for
export rot at the crossing. Medicines and foodstuffs cannot get in, except
for short periods from time to time, also for appearances, whenever
somebody important abroad voices some protest. Then comes another "urgent
security warning" and the situation is back to normal.

To round off the picture, the Israeli Air Force bombed the only power
station in the Strip, so that for a part of the day there is no
electricity, and the water supply (which depends on electric pumps) stops
also. Even on the hottest days, with temperatures of over 30 degrees
centigrade in the shade, there is no electricity for refrigerators, air
conditioning, the water supply or other needs.

In the West Bank, a territory much larger than the Gaza Strip (which makes
up only 6% of the occupied Palestinian territories but holds 40% of the
inhabitants), the situation is not quite so desperate. But in the Strip,
more than half of the population lives beneath the Palestinian "poverty
line", which lies of course very, very far below the Israeli "poverty
line". Many Gaza residents can only dream of being considered poor in the
nearby Israeli town of Sderot.

What are the governments of Israel and the US trying to tell the
Palestinians? The message is clear: You will reach the brink of hunger,
and even beyond, if you do not surrender. You must remove the Hamas
government and elect candidates approved by Israel and the US. And, most
importantly: you must be satisfied with a Palestinian state consisting of
several enclaves, each of which will be utterly dependent on the tender
mercies of Israel.


* * *

AT THE moment, the directors of the scientific experiment are pondering a
puzzling question: how on earth do the Palestinians still hold out, in
spite of everything? According to all the rules, they should have been
broken long ago!

Indeed, there are some encouraging signs. The general atmosphere of
frustration and desperation creates tension between Hamas and Fatah. Here
and there clashes have broken out, people were killed and wounded, but in
each case the deterioration was halted before it became a civil war. The
thousands of hidden Israeli collaborators are also helping to stir things
up. But contrary to all expectations, the resistance did not evaporate.
Even the captured Israeli soldier has not been released.

One of the explanations has to do with the structure of Palestinian
society. The Hamulah (extended family) plays a central role there. As long
as one person in the family is working, the relatives, too, do not die of
hunger, even if there is widespread malnutrition. Everyone who has any
income shares it with all his brothers and sisters, parents, grandparents,
cousins and their children. That is a primitive system, but quite
effective in such circumstances. It seems that the planners of the
experiment did not take this into account.

In order to quicken the process, the whole might of the Israeli army is
now being used again, as from this week. For three months the army was
busy with the Second Lebanon War. It became apparent that the army, which
for the last 39 years has been employed mainly as a colonial police force,
does not function very well when suddenly confronted with a trained and
armed opponent that can fight back. Hizbullah used deadly anti-tank
weapons against the armored forces, and rockets rained down on Northern
Israel. The army has long ago forgotten how to deal with such an enemy.
And the campaign did not end well.

Now the army returns to the war it knows. The Palestinians in the Strip do
not (yet) have effective anti-tank weapons, and the Qassam rockets cause
only limited damage. The army can again use tanks against the population
without hindrance. The Air Force, which in Lebanon was afraid to send in
helicopters to remove the wounded, can now fire missiles at the houses of
"wanted persons", their families and neighbors, at leisure. If in the last
three months "only" 100 Palestinians were killed per month, we are now
witnessing a dramatic rise in the number of Palestinians killed and
wounded.

How can a population that is hit by hunger, lacking medicaments and
equipment for its primitive hospitals and exposed to attacks on land, from
sea and from the air, hold out? Will it break? Will it go down on its
knees and beg for mercy? Or will it find inhuman strength and stand the
test?

In short: What and how much is needed to get a population to surrender?

All the scientists taking part in the experiment - Ehud Olmert and
Condoleezza Rice, Amir Peretz and Angela Merkel, Dan Halutz and George
Bush, not to mention Nobel Peace Price laureate Shimon Peres - are bent
over the microscopes and waiting for an answer, which undoubtedly will be
an important contribution to political science.

I hope the Nobel Committee is watching.

Uri Avnery is an Israeli writer and peace activist with Gush Shalom. He is
one of the writers featured in The Other Israel: Voices of Dissent and
Refusal. He is also a contributor to CounterPunch's hot new book The
Politics of Anti-Semitism.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

   - David Shove             shove001 [at] tc.umn.edu
   rhymes with clove         Progressive Calendar
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