A Demand for Accountability: Ending the Violence and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza - 8.20.2026

Israel continues to murder Palestinian men, women, and children under the leadership of a convicted war criminal, PM BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, while the U.S. and EU maintain a steady supply of weapons.

Israel’s continuing attacks on Palestinians in Gaza and its expansion of illegal Settlements should horrify the World. Reports of more Palestinians being killed, including Children, and the Military’s admission of responsibility for the deaths of five-year-old Hind Rajab, her Family and Paramedics demand accountability.

We must never ignore the Horror of the Holocaust. But let us not use the Holocaust as a reason to ignore the savage Crimes being committed against Palestinian Men, Women and Children today.

The growing international Revulsion is understandable. The suffering of Palestinians and Lebanese Civilians cannot be justified as “Security.” The expansion of illegal Settlements further demonstrates how violence and dispossession are being entrenched.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Government must be held accountable for its actions. The World cannot remain silent while Civilians are killed, Humanitarian suffering deepens and International Law is disregarded.

The United States and other Governments must demand an immediate end to attacks on Civilians, unrestricted Humanitarian Aid and genuine accountability for alleged War Crimes. No Government should be above International Law.

Gaza Cannot Have A Ceasefire In Name Only - 8.19.2026

The reports from Gaza And The Occupied West Bank should shock the conscience. At least seven Palestinians, including a child, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a cafe in Gaza, even as officials continue to speak of a truce. Since last October’s ceasefire, more than 1,200 Palestinians have reportedly been killed.

As Abu Ahmad said, “The people of Gaza are bleeding every day.” A ceasefire that exists only in statements is not a real ceasefire.

In The West Bank, Palestinian American Loui Ridi returned from Ohio to defend his family home after Israeli settlers surrounded it and blocked those inside from leaving. Even U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee described the settler siege as a “horrific act of terror.”

The United States must demand that ceasefires be genuinely enforced and that Palestinian civilians and their homes be protected. American diplomacy should not merely express concern after people are killed or families are terrorized. It should use America’s considerable influence to stop the violence, protect civilians, and advance a political solution that recognizes the humanity and rights of Palestinians. 

Response to Thomas L. Friedman - 8.19.2026

It’s a pity that Thomas L. Friedman, despite his excellent writing skills, consistently fails to use his powerful voice to expose what I see as Israel’s horrific mass killing, starvation, and destruction of Palestinian lives in Gaza, as well as settler terror in the West Bank.

At the bottom of his argument, Friedman points to Hamas and the Houthis as examples of small forces capable of effective resistance against much larger powers. But is he implying that the starving people of Gaza and Lebanon have no right to defend themselves?

Netanyahu, who faces serious international allegations and legal proceedings concerning alleged war crimes, should be held accountable under international law if the evidence establishes those crimes. Meanwhile, some of humanity’s best people—doctors, nurses, journalists, and humanitarian aid workers—have reportedly suffered abuse and mistreatment in detention.

One cannot demand that the weak surrender while ignoring the actions of the powerful. If Friedman is willing to examine resistance by Hamas and the Houthis, he should apply the same moral and journalistic scrutiny to the actions of Israel and its leaders.

The suffering of Palestinian civilians deserves the same attention, humanity, and moral outrage.

Finally, I urge Friedman to campaign vigorously for the immediate release of Dr. Ahmed Abu Safiya and other aid workers who have been brutally beaten and are languishing in Israel’s dungeons. 

The latest developments in Gaza are deeply troubling. According to the discussion on Democracy Now!, Israel has rejected a 15-point proposal that would require Hamas to disarm while also requiring Israel to stop its attacks and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to accept these terms appears to place political survival and hard-line demands above the urgent need for peace. As Mouin Rabbani explained, conditioning Israel’s obligations on the complete disarmament of Hamas could become a “poison pill,” allowing the cessation of hostilities to be postponed indefinitely.

Even more alarming are the reported statements by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has advocated killing 30–40 Palestinians every night in Gaza and used deeply dehumanizing language about Palestinians. Such rhetoric—especially when it encompasses civilians, including men, women, and children—must never be normalized or accepted.

The United States should use its influence to demand an immediate end to attacks on civilians, unrestricted humanitarian assistance, and a genuine political solution that recognizes the humanity, rights, and security of both Palestinians and Israelis. Diplomacy—not endless warfare—must be the path forward.

Our national debt is approaching $49 trillion & counting - 8.18.2026

The $40 Trillion Debt: A Failure of Leadership

the $40 trillion national debt should be a wake-up call for every American.

as PBS NewsHour reported, the federal debt is approaching $40 trillion, while interest alone now costs taxpayers more than $1.2 trillion a year. that is roughly $3 billion every day spent simply paying interest.

what does $40 trillion look like? PBS NewsHour offered a startling comparison: it is more than the combined value of every single-family home in America.

this is not merely a number on a government balance sheet. it represents a profound failure of fiscal leadership by both the white house and congress, across administrations and political parties.

instead of confronting the debt, washington continues to spend, borrow and postpone difficult decisions. future generations will inherit the bill.

congress and the white house must put the national debt at the center of the national agenda. responsible budgeting, serious spending priorities and a credible long-term plan are urgently needed.

$40 trillion should not be treated as business as usual. it is a warning that America can no longer afford political irresponsibility.

Shameful Act By The U.K. To Intimidate A Human Rights Lawyer - 8.18.2026

The case of human rights lawyer Rajiv Menon should concern everyone who believes in the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession.

Menon is facing criminal contempt charges over arguments he made while defending six Palestine Action activists. According to Democracy Now!, the case raises serious questions about whether lawyers can vigorously represent their clients and address matters of public importance without fear of prosecution.

Whatever one thinks of Palestine Action or its methods, defendants are entitled to competent legal representation and a fair trial. A lawyer should not be punished simply for forcefully presenting a client's case or challenging the actions of government authorities.

The prosecution of Menon risks creating a chilling effect far beyond this one case. If lawyers fear contempt charges for speaking forcefully in court, the independence of the legal profession—and ultimately the rule of law—is weakened.

The U.K. should protect the right to a vigorous defense, even when the case is politically controversial.

Shameful Act By The U.K. To Intimidate A Human Rights Lawyer - 8.18.2026

The case of human rights lawyer Rajiv Menon should concern everyone who believes in the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession.

Menon is facing criminal contempt charges over arguments he made while defending six Palestine Action activists. According to Democracy Now!, the case raises serious questions about whether lawyers can vigorously represent their clients and address matters of public importance without fear of prosecution.

Whatever one thinks of Palestine Action or its methods, defendants are entitled to competent legal representation and a fair trial. A lawyer should not be punished simply for forcefully presenting a client's case or challenging the actions of government authorities.

The prosecution of Menon risks creating a chilling effect far beyond this one case. If lawyers fear contempt charges for speaking forcefully in court, the independence of the legal profession—and ultimately the rule of law—is weakened.

The U.K. should protect the right to a vigorous defense, even when the case is politically controversial.