Some papers which I open have unrelenting support for the Israeli movement. Many New Zealand media outlets mistakenly lend their support to the Palestine/Gaza movement. Is it more favourable to support one or the other? It really depends on who you have more sympathy for.
Israel has every right to defend itself against rockets and missiles. Pacifistic people would be able to relate to such an ordeal. How frightening would it be if your neighbourhoods were bombarded by air strikes? It would be even more horrific if your own Government says "we're not going to defend ourselves." This happens to be Israel's main position. The hysterically fascist Hamas movement repeatedly finds reasons to launch massive counter strikes against Israel.
With that said, I do not see Israel as an innocent lamb either. Their exercise of extreme brutality on many Palestinian people is not justifiable. Countless arrests are made on suspected terrorists, most of whom have not been given a fair trial to defend themselves. If the war is as simple as a fight over a piece of land, Israel is often exerting their superiority unfairly, using a powerful Military to establish a presence which is often overbearing and domineering.
Get over yourself Mr. Mckellen
Ian Mckellen is a fine actor, best known for his portrayal as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Altogether, his career has spanned over four decades. Despite his amazing on screen presence, his off screen ramblings are anything but amazing. His criticism of Mr. Slippery's "gay red top" remarks are rather odd. While it is strange to have a Prime Minister using teenage jargon, what's more amazing is Mr. Mckellen, in his rather annoying, politically correct manner, warning Mr. Key to watch his language.
I know several homosexuals. Each of them got put forth this question from me: Did you get offended by the Prime Minister's "gay red top," comment? Each one dismissed it as unoffensive. If a radio DJ were to use "retard" to describe somebody they met overseas in a bar, would all people actually suffering from mental retardation feel personally attacked? Unlikely.
Ian Mckellen ought to get over himself. The use of the word is not belittling to a homosexual person in any shape or form. The homosexual community claimed the word 'gay' for themselves. It is a rather ambiguous word, which thanks to freedom of speech, people can use in any way the please.
Jon Bridges=motivation squared
Jon Bridges, a comedian, television producer, as well as an enthusiastic cyclist launched his book 'Easy Rider.' I was fortunate enough to go to the book launch and meet with Jon. He is a very passionate man, who makes very good company. Anyone looking for inspiration to begin cycling or just to get motivated ought to read his rather charming book.
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