Osama and Contemporary Reasoning: A Duel Assassination

The storming of Osama bin Laden’s compound, his subsequent execution, and the joyous triumphalism on behalf of his enemies is troubling on innumerable levels. If we scan through our memory files back to that dreadful morning of September the 11th, we will find a gaping hole in the case against bin Laden as the prime suspect in what was by definition, an international crime (lest we forget, thirteen percent of the victims were foreign nationals). On the face of the allegations made against him firstly is his denial of involvement. If, as the popular line suggests, his motive was driven by faith, it should be understood that people of faith do what they do with the intention of pleasing the Divine. This is particularly true in Islam. To deny an act after having committed it for the sake of God, would serve to nullify any heavenly reward.  For bin Laden to repudiate what his accusers have dubbed his “pinnacle achievement," should initiate a reanalysis of the possible motives attributed to his role in the 911 attacks.  Opponents argue he denounced any involvement only to avert being bombed into oblivion. Interestingly, these same individuals claim the ultimate aim of his ideology was predicated on martyrdom. Such an argument is severely flawed.

Seattle Billboard Campaign to End the $30 Billion to Israel

The Coalition to Stop $30 Billion to Israel has launched a billboard campaign calling on the American public to take action against the US military aid supplied to Israel. While our nation's economy is in the toilet, schools are unable to retain staff, libraries are closing, and the deficit continues to spin out of control, the Obama administration continues to funnel billions to the paraiah state of Israel- all this despite the President's tough talk on halting settlements into the West Bank. In the meantime, Prime Minister Netanyahu spits in the face of human decency and International Law, laughing all the way to the bank to cash in our tax dollars. To recall a once enthusiastic statement of purpose, "Yes We Can." If those who administer our tax revenue refuse to recognize what the rest of the world understands is an aparthied regime, it is up to those of us who still believe change is possible, and believe in universal justice, to stand up. Write your congress person to protest the contunued use of your tax dollars to bulldoze homes in the West Bank, and seal off Gaza from recieving basic necessities. Please join this effort: contact the organizers to start a campaign in your city or see the Palestinian Solidarity Committee of Seattle  for more inforation.