BOYCOTT Update!!
Greetings All,
Everyone is asking what is happening to the boycott? So here it is my friends:
-We have started a group on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=44665972223&ref=ts
-We have coordinated the "Nestle Challenge" in the U.S. and on the international front, just before the Valentines and Easter holidays- this is especially targeted for youth and their families to focus on one company.
-We have also started something similar to the famed "Tupperware" parties; however, our gatherings are not to sell Tupperware, but to inform people of the SHORT list we are using to boycott Israel. This is done just among family and friends and we hope to spread the sincerity of the project through personal communication.
We have made a substitute list! which is on the facebook group. And we have focused on the companies with the "strongest" affiliations with Israel, it's only 13! If we focus on these 13 we are hoping to keep people committed and not get turned off.
We are currently working through other areas, which I will not divulge, yet, on QL.
And there will be another open QL meeting in the next couple of weeks, but we are working on some more resources before that meeting is called.
Now let's talk about a few companies on the boycott list:
Coca-Cola:
From 1966 onward Coca-Cola has been a staunch supporter of Israel.[4]
In 1997 the Government of Israel Economic Mission honored Coca-Cola at the Israel Trade Award Dinner for its continued support of Israel for the last 30 years and for refusing to abide by the Arab League boycott of Israel. [1]
( In contrast Pepsi abided by the Arab League boycott of Israel which ended in May 1991, after 1992 Pepsi is also trading in Israel - see [2] )
In 2001 the Coca-Cola World Headquarters hosted and was the main sponser of the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala.[5].
It has then been revealed that Coca-Cola Israel sponsors training programs for its workers on subjects including the Israeli-Arab conflict. The course content is created by a company funded by the Jewish Agency and the Israeli government.[6]
In February 2002, Coca-Cola teamed up with "Friends of Israel" and National Hillel to cosponsor a lecture given by the infamous Zionist correspondent Linda Gradstein at the University of Minnesota.[3]
In July 2002, it has been announced that Coca-Cola, in return for millions in incentives from the Israeli government, is to build a new plant on stolen Palestinian land at Kiryat Gat.[7]
In October 2005, Coca-Cola increased its investment in Israel by buying a 51 percent controlling interest in the Tavor Winery.[11]
Starbucks??
And I don't know why, but Red_Pope keeps harassing me and sending me personal messages about Starbucks. So, I thought I would address this cafe from my perspective.
NO, I don't believe Starbucks gives it's profits to Israel because it is a publicly traded company. but then why do some choose to boycott Starbucks? It's because of the Vocal position that their Zionist Chairman takes on the issue referring to Palestinians as terrorists and maintaining Israel's victim stance. For those of us, who are ANTI-GENOCIDE, we find his behavior morally reprehensible. Now, if a famed Nazi founded a cafe in today's day in-age and said the "Gas chambers" used on the Jewish community, during Nazi Germany, were warranted because "they deserved it"...GUESS WHAT? I would boycott him too!
Now for those who turn to the Starbucks website looking for "unbiased" information (laugh), then yes, it is true Starbucks does not have any stores in Israel..presently. But, does anyone know that Starbucks opened 6 branches in Israel when other companies were pulling their operations out? This was too show solidarity with Israel and within a year all branches were closed, because it was a poor business move for the wrong reasons.
The Chairman of Starbucks has even been praised for his "PR" work for Israel, by the Israeli foreign ministry!
I have put on ALL of my literature that Starbucks is a NON-financial sponsor of the State of Israel. So, that EVERYONE is informed and knows why they boycott who they do. And can make informed decisions for themselves.
The BOYCOTT is growing and NO I am not trying to convert people to the Anti-genocide boycott, there are already millions of supporters, I am just trying to empower them.
Thank you, to the many different races and faces who have joined this boycott, our message is one: STOP THE GENOCIDE.
My best always,
Mira
Eco agree on hi jack but isn't that typicall
ALLAH HU AKBAR - GOD IS GREAT
if the topic is not of your interest, stay out
The Starbucks here in Landmark is thriving... any other branches hit by the boycott? City Center looks pretty full whenever I am there but who knows.
I am a Starbucks addict, should be in a support group but havent touched it in 5-6 years.....
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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"
even their own fellow country men are losing jobs because of this nonsense...
All those BOYCOTTERS should be renamed in our modern day era: The saboteurs of peoples jobs and the dissident terrorist of information.
Like all Robin hoods of the modern day era, they all hide behind others problems with their own secret agendas, for their own convenience only.
There is mouthwash and brainwash, Brainwash fits them better.
Thats why I said End of ...lol
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HE WHO DARES WINS
hey UKEng ... you are a bit too late ... i am off from this thread. Good nite !
Wow you girls and QT..I thought I was reading an old school reunion gossip...lol
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HE WHO DARES WINS
Nite QT ! x
...anyway... it's bed time here too.
Goodnight ladies!! :) xxx
Good nite Alexa ! xxx
QT, you not abandoning us with your dad and your step mom !!!!
...and I'll check into a hotel!!
:)
lmao, i imagining QT surrounded by us ...
Alexa, you have to stand on the queue lol ...
just give me a couple of weeks notice and I'll show you around!!!
:)
QT did I say I miss you ??? :P Lol ... I was teasing you.
Me and family planning to visit QT in the summer. Insha allah ... anyone want to come with us??? :P
Just returned back from the UK..The leaflet that was here a week ago was also been distributed at Tube stations..
But the most facinating this was how the Protests were still going on..Even some of them turning violent..The Mail on Sunday was giving a web link showing the Gaza Protestors overwhelming the Police and were chasing the Police..
Have we really forgot the suffering of the people or has this conflict been hijacked by those who can only make noise and no lasting actions.
There were a number of Charity dinners organised bu organisation collecting donation for the Gazan's..
When I saw all of that then I wondered who is really doing more for the Gazan;s and who are more vocal?
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HE WHO DARES WINS
:)
:)
:'(
...but I'm happy here in Hanoi! :)
PM, you have to speak Vietnamese with him now !
LOL QT!
what's even better is that we can joke about them all night and they're unable to read this!!!!
...but all they wanted was the men to sleep with all the women and the women to do all the household and farming chores.
I left because I couldn't stand that type of unequality!!!
N.B. Joke. I know the Amish people have no real history of polyogamy
:P
You can't teach experience...
wouldn't it be easier to join an Amish sect????
Al-Qaeda leaders at odds on attacking western interests in UAE
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, Jan 28, IRNA – An informed source said Wednesday that certain senior Al-Qaeda terrorist group leaders are seriously and constantly at odds on conducting armed and sabotage operations against western and US interests in the UAE.
The source said the military rulers and think-tanks of the network are willing to attack western targets and companies in the UAE because the attack is something easy for them regarding the large number of companies located there.
But those Al-Qaeda officials, who are in charge of supplying money to the network, however, believe that the UAE should not be attacked because any damage on the sheikhdom will trigger economic recession.
They say since Al-Qaeda too has concentrated many of its investments on tourism, hotel keeping and so on in the UAE to meet its financial needs, it will indirectly be affected by the attacks.
Sometimes ago, there were reports on increase in investment and registration of the Zionist companies in the UAE too, especially in Dubai, so making certain circles, including the Al-Qaeda network, sensitive.
It’s worth mentioning that Al-Qaeda has not yet conducted any terrorist operation in the UAE.
good suggestion...
vegas, I am boycotting YOU...
Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked,the good fortune to run into the ones I do,and the eyesight to tell the difference.
You can't teach experience...
Lol Boycott,
Why not boycott qatar buisness for paying such low wages to most of the lower class workforce.Something worthwhile as this is a waste of time.
Bring on the Coke, Maccy D`s,Mustang and apple pies. :)
I edited my previous comment. I have to go along with you on this one, still I got to respect her opinion, but not to agree or approve her bias opinions at all.
Good night Professor.
I agree with you PM.
Mira definably and judiciously is using the following phrases.
Genocide, Anti-genocide boycott, STOP THE GENOCIDE, after decades of ethnic cleansing.
Edited--- Yet, she gives No solution for a final peace agreement. All she is doing adding more fuel to the fire of hate and prejudice.
Mira said:
"We are a committed group who believes in the rights of all humanity."
I must be reading some kind of hypocritical sarcasm.
I just discover something very disturbing, about the principalities that are behind the curtains, sponsoring this activist group of dissidents.
I'm still trying to get my head around the consequences - intended and unintended - of a boycott of "Israeli" products. As I have said, I will not buy Teva or Naiot shoes but the last time I bought Ahava products was from a small, Palestinian-owned shop in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City, Al Quds. I was doing my Christmas shopping and spent over $100 US, probably the week's take for the shop-keeper. Will I buy Ahava again? No, considering it is made in an illegal West Bank settlement. Would the Palestinian shop-keeper agree with my boycott? I'd say not.
Mandi
PM good sugguestion about ignoring
Lol Amoud it's true.
Actually join the facebook group abu adil, I didn't like the interface for the googlegroups so I am just focusing on the facebook group for now:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=44665972223&ref=ts
Expect the next open meeting in about two weeks.
Meera, you are being heard.
No matter how some people are bound to stop you by hook or crook.
Meanwhile I couldnt find your group in google groups.
Can you send a mail from the group to my email address.
When will be the next meeting?
Keep up the good work.
Red Pope, how do you boycott Hamas? If you know how let us know, we can add it to the list.
I shall have to stop sending all the spare AK's and M-16's I have laying around the house to Egypt....
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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"
Why not include HAMAS in your Boycott?
You might as well include them in your boycott along with Israelis. They are causing more harm, than peace to the peace process and the Palestinian people.
If your activism, would want to gain more support towards the Palestinian, then some kind clear objective and purpose needs to be writing impartially, including the critiques of HAMAS ACTIONS and not some 'knotted YOYO boycott,' full of controversy.
Other wise your commitment still tainted with hidden agendas of Anti-zionist goals.
Respectfully
Mira, your best bet is not to even engage them to be honest. As long as you are confident in what you are doing, dont give it fuel. You have your feelings on the matter as we all do. DMS seems to come everywhere I am and disagree with me just for kicks, another poster just comes around to be nasty. You get all sorts.
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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"
Totally correct Amoud! But, people are pulling at straws to undermine any criticism or protests against Israel.
waiting...
Mira, you are stressing a point that many, including my family are missing.
We do not support Hamas, quite the opposite. This is for the plight of the Muslim, Christian and Jew inhabitants of the Gaza strip.
Stats of this insurgance show that over 1300 Palestinians have lost their lives compared to a total of 13 Israelis.
DMS, my profile is in jest, there are surely tonnes of 'pessimests and general trouble makers' in Zambia.
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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"
dbl post
I would be much more interested Pope in hearing your response to the Israeli Soldier confessing that the Israeli government has committed War Crimes in Gaza and that Israel itself is responsible for the rockets being shot from Gaza because of it's prolonged abuse of the Gazans.
Why don't you get some guts and respond to facts. Also, if you want to boycott Gaza go for it no one's stopping you, I am pretty committed to my boycott of Israeli genocide.
You have NEVER once responded to any of the articles I have posted you rather commit yourself to trying to side-track individuals, what about "If Hamas did not exist" article? You spammed it early today, so you should know what I am talking about. So, how about you respond to ANY of the links I have put on this thread.
I see you are trying to peg me as a Hamas loyalist who hates Israel. Sorry my friend, I do believe in a two state solution and don't believe Israel should be vaporized.
The rockets that fly directly into Israel are not only Hamas, Gaza is NOT only Hamas. I also don't believe this present conflict has anything to do with Hamas, but Israel's systematic ethnic cleansing of Palestinians since 1948.
Like the Israeli soldier said, you can't stop a people from wanting to be free, he also said Israelis should know that better than anyone.
The Palestinians created their first "organized" armed resistance in 1964! They lived 16 years under occupation and bloodshed before fighting back.
You can't ask a population to die quietly. Give the Gazans something to live for and you won't see the rockets anymore. Having their children's limbs ripped off during Israeli offensives is really not going to motivate anyone to seek peace.
Remember the occupation did not start last month, this began 60 years ago. We are seeing the results now. See when the first suicide bombing took place. It did not occur in 1948 when the Brits gave Palestine to the Jews of the World. These suicides occurred decades later, once the Palestinian population, rendered their futures as hopeless.
I want to hear it from you only, Have some guts to answer my questions, Quit dodging..
I repeat myself again:
Would you please, Answer me properly:
Despite the ceasefire, Hamas continues firing rockets into Israel.
How do you plan to boycott those actions?
Like wise you mention before, in your own words: "we are a committed group who believes in the rights of all humanity."
What would be your contribution to establish peace in that region?
keep going we r supporting u
Aercel companies are directly responsible for keeping both their consumers and employees satisfied.
Aercel companies are directly responsible for keeping both their consumers and employees satisfied.
thank u very much
ur valuable efforts is appreciated
Dear Red_Pope,
How about we let someone experienced in the Middle East situation answer that question. AND in order to avoid bias, we will let it be a former ISRAELI Air Force Captain.
&eurl=http://www.facebook.com/home.php?
eco-savvy, the ideal is to work for companies that are "good" (depending on how you view good). since this kind of companies are not exactly flooding our planet, we take jobs from "bad" companies otherwise our children will suffer.
and oh, regarding tobacco companies, please don't also discount personal responsibility of those who smoke. i know it is addicting but since a lot of people were able to kick that vice, it means that personal will has something to do with it also.
Some of the comments especially those ridiculing the boycott are really absurd. If the argument against boycotting pro-zionist companies is that it is bad for local economies that deal with them, then the Nazi concentration camp model should be reintroduced because it provided cheap and well trained labour at near to no cost which was good for the economy and for all those doing business with the Nazis. YOU MUST have a moral stance and stick to it. If you accept to deal with such companies then you must face up to the risks involved. And the right hand does not wash the left hand in this case. One last thing about economy that every novice on this thread should know before writing silly comments about how ineffective this boycott might be, bad publicity is bad for business. No wonder those companies have launched massive PR campaigns to deny their involvement- IT HURTS!!!
I think Mira has done a great job. We are all responsible in front of our own conscious of where our money might be going especially if it going to cause misery for someone else. It's your choice.
Would you please, Answer me properly
Despite the ceasefire, Hamas continues firing rockets into Israel.
How do you plan to boycott those actions?
Like wise you mention before, in your own words: "we are a committed group who believes in the rights of all humanity."
What would be your contribution to establish peace in that region?
how about Tabacco companies? I declare each employee
as killer
I don't think we'll hurt the local economy at all. I am still spending the exact same amount of money and it's ALL being spent in Qatar. What we'll see is decrease in demand at LULU/FFC etc for the brands that we are boycotting, but these stores will still be making their money.
i.e. today instead of Johnson and Johnson facial wipes, I purchased Clearsil. Same amount of money spent, different brand. Store still sells.
partner in crimes? lol!
***
applicant: im here to look for job. any waiter (cashier/barista/packer/factory worker/tailor/checker,etc...) position?
employer: i am pleased to tell you that we do have a job for you here. our company is not only an equal opportunity employer but we take to heart our corporate social responsibility by giving funds to Israel annually.
appicant: wow, that's great!
***
duh!!!!
partner in crimes? lol!
***
applicant: im here to look for job. any waiter (cashier/barista/packer/factory worker/tailor/checker,etc...) position?
employer: i am pleased to tell you that we do have a job for you here. our company is not only an equal opportunity employer but we take to heart our corporate social responsibility by giving funds to Israel annually.
***
duh!!!!
many may stand against, but for sure there will be those who will be on the other side. Just think of those who were used to be in their "lifestyle".
You, as a trouble-maker (your profile) may not be affected but for sure many expats like me will be affected. Try to look forward! There maybe other ways!
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
it's okay just click on the link of the initial thread topic and you will see it.
I am still expecting you at the next gathering :) I really appreciate having the Filipino community on board. Their support has been really outstanding all over the globe, not just in Doha.
Arecel, we are simply asking the companies to divest in Israel, if their board of directors would rather lay-off millions of workers rather than separate from their "mother-land" than it is the company's fault not mine.
As far as Starbucks is concerned, which is not a focus company, as I mentioned, their share holders can communicate with the board of directors that the chairman's propagandist position to Israel may hurt them in foreign markets.
If these companies don't care...why should we. I have to agree with what someone else posted on a previous thread; a life lost is much more severe than a job lost. Although, ideally, I hope to see neither.
The choice remains with the executive officers of these companies, in the meantime no one call tell me where to spend my money.
If Qatars economy and citizens suffer BECAUSE of the boycott, would that not in turn perhaps persuade them to take a more active stand againt the autrocities occuring on Palestine? Just a though...
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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"
about those employees who are partner in crimes.
Sorry Pope we are not targeting "American" companies either...
By the way, has anyone noticed that pope has spammed EACH one of my threads on QL?
Certainly, only the actions of a balanced middle aged-man.
One has to wonders why "he" would care where "I" spend MY money...interesting indeed.
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
irf77, you are right, consumer will just transfer from place A to B. and yes, only the people who work for this company shall be directly affected.
question: if they lost their jobs, where will they go? back to their home countries? because of global crisis, looking for a job anywhere is very hard.
and who are indirectly affected by all of this? the family and the extended families of the laid off workers. so before you do boycot companies, think hard first.
I support Mira's objectives but as I've said, hope the positive consequences outweighs the negative consequences!
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
For all of those who are not on facebook, you can copy the Boycott/Substitute List from the above group that I posted. Share it with others and try to post in on your fridge or where you can see it. This forum topic was in response to the pm's I am getting on the topic. I do hope it was informative.
Good luck.
Mira
Eco, This is where the ppl power comes in, we can chose things based on our common sense,
Solomon, in principal it boycott will not much difference on ecnomy espcially local qatar, what do ou think will happen if ppl stop eating from place A, they will go the Place B, the spend will be more and less same, also only ppl affected with these type of wrong orginization will be affected.
Atleast we can help in our peaceful capacity by right means
You got it right, she is definitely on a collision course!
i hope her pockets are deeper than Corporate America and many other Companies, she is planning to boycott.
Ec0-Savvy maybe you should read what I write again.
The companies are not the final target. The real target is the zionist. This boycott initiative is to force those companies not to do business / charity to zionist anymore. So those companies should know how to respond this boycott correctly.
How does this valid argument:
"I don't like the actions of senior staff at XXX company. Thus, I'm not going to buy their products, and encourage other shoppers to do the same."
Become this wacko argument:
"I don't like the actions of senior staff at XXX company. Thus, I'm not going to buy their products, and seek to prevent other shoppers from buying their products, even if they disagree with my point of view."
???
Ibrahim Saad like Mira is on mission
“How could these outlets exist in Qatar and do business with our money while it has been confirmed that they are funding Israel to build Jewish settlements? How could this happen when children are brutally killed in Palestine,” he said.
Starbucks has two outlets in the Qatar University campus, one each in the girls’ and boys’ wings.
However, a memorandum submitted by the students to the university administration seeking the closure of these outlets has received a response that the university is bound by official decisions taken by the government.
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=269062&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16
it's happening now. Are you not reading news? How many people already committed suicide before killing their families first? Reasons, financial distress due to loss jobs or financial difficulties.
You are the one making threats!
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
agree with you tallg. some people just believe everything they read or heard without bothering to check if the information is true and accurate. sigh...
Solo, you are forgetting we are not in Isreal or Plastine so stop trying to pass on these fake threats.
If i were in your place i do be careful as local authorties might be tracking some of ppl passing on threats to others...... watch out
I would like to thank both Mandi and Umm Jake, I do find your feedback useful. I had to sit down and figure out the demographics I am going to appeal to. I know some people who are doing this in Canada are actually educating the Palestinian community!
There are war crimes that go unanswered, illegal occupations, and bombing of UN facilities...it seems Israel is immune to all laws, I know myself and the people who are doing this boycott feel that we are doing the only thing we can, within our capacities, to protest Israel's bloodshed.
No one can force us to spend our money where they deem lawful, we have choice, free markets, and the existence of competition, and we will exercise our consumer rights.
Quite frankly, I find it flattering that Mr. Red_Pope thinks that my boycott initiative obviously has what it takes to really make an international statement.
positive and negative consequences. You maybe cursing a particular group of people because of your views and yet sooner than later, those who will be negatively affected by your movement will be cursing you. And who knows, in this time of economic crisis and desperation, you wouldn't know the extent of damaged your movement may bring to the other parties that may react unreasonably. IMHO.
An action will always have a reaction. And this is happening now. You staunchly support boycott and there are those who will staunchly go against yours. You are just playing the same game as what is happening between Israeli and Hamas! You are playing Hamas, let us wait who will play Israel?
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
Thank you for the update, i am going to join the group on face book now
By the way do not fell justified to every stupied point about anti boycott, the point is simple any body is open to boycott whatever they feel makes sense, we do not have to boycott say every american product its a matter of personal choice however we appericate Mira's effort to atleast prestn the info.
Ngourlay regarding 51% 99% this is only theory that is the goverment paper work is made such due to law, however side agreement exisits which states that local get certain fixed or % fee and the outsider owes and run the full company so does the profit, so it will affect the actual owners
You can boycott these companies all you want, but you'll be damaging Qatar's economy more than you damage any of these companies. All these companies are 51% owned by Qataris.
The evidence against many of these companies is shaky, as has been pointed out many times in the western press. Much of the vitriol seems to be of the form: "People who work for the firms support Israel, therefore the company supports Israel." Well, guess what? Most US companies will have senior execs who support Israel. That's just a matter of averages.
Not that you can talk sense to the loony left, they'll continue with their calls to action, while the Arab youth continue to drink Coca Cola and Starbucks coffee. Because they like the taste.
Fear tactics still don't work with me Pope. Do you want to try a different angle?
Actually, Umm Jake there is certainly more than meets the eye to the Israeli occupation. My suggestion is speak to some of the local Palestinians who have lived it. Remember up until recently there was a pretty tight lid on the subject.
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=51192786710&h=PBS1B&u=70Na9
This is a 19 year old American girl who was brave enough to go and find answers...she did pay with her life when an Israeli intentionally ran her over with his bulldozer.
...develop into the same situation as when Oprah said she would stop eating beef (because of fears over mad cow disease), and the beef industry took her to court for defamation (because their business suffered, as she clearly wields enormous influence on the public).
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a bunch of committed individuals organizing themselves to have more of an impact to effect change in something they feel passionately about.
Give Mira a break...
That is correct, I spend my money in American made Products, either made in China or other third world countries.
In other words, I'm supporting those local economies in keeping those factories and jobs going on, including Doha.
Be aware that your boycott is not the right way to do business.
Why? You are becoming number contributor of layoffs world wide.
I'll guarantee you, that when you are messing with someone's pay check, they will remember you very well. Is your death wish not mines.
Others will admire you, other will hate your guts, that is a true fact.
Just remember the following Mira,
Just because you are here in Doha and not back in the USA, you are still subject to American Laws,
Just be careful, you don't find yourself in court facing a Law suit, because someone lost his job due, to your leadership and actions in boycotting American products. You still could be link and held liable. That is just my opinion.
I can certainly find fault with Israeli actions over the years, but I would never characterize what they are doing as a "genocide".
Genocide to me means what happened during the Holocaust, in Rwanda and Srebrenica...THOSE are genocides.
What is happening between Israel and the Palestinians is not a genocide, IMHO. They're not actively trying to kill all the Palestinians and stop them from making more babies.
They definitely want them to stop firing missiles at Israelis. They might want them to leave the area/land they're currently on and keep it all for Israelis. And to those ends, they might enact certain policies and efforts (the blockade, building the wall, etc.) that make life extremely difficult for Palestinians, in the hopes that they will stop supporting those factions that engage in that behavior.
But they're not breaking into random Palestinian homes and dismembering them with machetes. They're not lining up all the young men in a village and shooting them down in cold blood.
To characterize what is happening between these two parties as a "genocide" demeans all the actual genocides that HAVE occurred.
I don't disagree that there is an evident apartheid.
I am not here to sugar-coat anything for the "Israeli Propaganda Machine", as you put it. I understand your concerns, but like I have already mentioned, I am not here to recruit anyone. I am only speaking to those who are already well-read and fully understand the issue, for those people, genocide is indisputable. For those who have their heads the sand...well keep listening to that machine.
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4752349n
I won't do that if I can't be accurate. I will not take the chance that the Israeli propaganda machine would find a way to discredit that one word. Look at Jimmy Cater who used "apartheid" and was absolutely demonized by the Israeli lobby. He stands by his decision, but I have to tell you he lost some followers. (It is a good word for the situation.)
Mandi
Okay Mandi, sum up your description in one word...
tallg, boycotts do take different forms:
http://latestnews.virginmedia.com/news/entertainment/2009/01/25/samantha_morton_vows_to_boycott_bbc
http://news.scotsman.com/comment/Tam-Dean-Burn--BBC.4925473.jp
The people who vow to never work for BBC again are using the term "boycott".
Mira, oh dear, I hope I don't offend you or cause more controversy, but I believe that what is happening in Palestine is NOT genocide. It is the planned, systematic, forced, violent and illegal removal of a large number of people from their rightful homes. And it is the demolition and destruction of over 400 Palestinian villages. It is the refusal to allow people access or return to their legal and ancestral homes and land. It is the imprisoning of people in "temporary" refugee camps for the last 60 years. But it is not genocide. Yes, I am aware of the death toll of Palestinians from 1948 until now. But I believe that Israel can statistically counter the claim that it participates in "genocide." And if they do so, those who use the term genocide lose credibility. Let's call it what it is!
Mandi
We actually make a point of saying DON'T get rid of anything you have already purchased. Only when it's time to replace the item than please use one of the substitutes. That's it.
Hmm, you know it is the height of stupidity to go to your cupboards and empty out American products, or get rid of everything you have in your house that is from a US company.
They already got your money, would you be dumb enough to throw the stuff out? I think the aim is just not to continue buying from the boycott companies.
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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"
The BBC issue is completely different to boycotting things.
Calls for U.S. biz boycott over Gaza-
12 Ocak 2009 / 01:36
The rumors circulated via email, on social networking sites like Facebook and conspiracy websites: top American companies are donating profits to Israel in support of the war in Gaza and consumers should boycott them.
The online campaigns call for a boycott of several major U.S.-based companies like McDonalds, the coffee chain Starbucks, Pizza Hut and cigarette maker Phillip Morris, though most of the companies have explicitly denied the rumors on their websites and in interviews.
“Let's stop using American and British products for just one month. The U.S. will lose 8.6 billion daily if we stop using its products for only one month,” read one email being circulated in Arabic. “As a true Muslim do that. Tell your family, friends, and neighbors and stop for one month.”
“Let's do what our rulers could not do…. BOYCOTT” read another.
The Facebook group Boycott American Companies That Financially Support Israel! Free Palestine! Has more than 7,000 members hailing from the U.S., Arab world, Europe and Indonesia and Malaysia.
A search for the keywords “boycott Gaza” returned 45 groups in English, French and Arabic calling for a boycott of companies that allegedly support Israel's war on Gaza. Starbucks and McDonalds were among the most targeted.
"The messages about McDonald's giving its revenues to Israel until next Saturday do not originate from, and are not affiliated with, McDonald's. This is completely false and appears to be nothing more than a rumor or hoax,” Tara Handy, senior manager of Corporate Media Relations for McDonald's said in a statement to AlArabiya.net.
On Saturday protesters in the French city of Nice smashed the windows of a McDonald's restaurant. On Friday protesters in Venezuela burned a U.S. flag in front of a McDonalds in the capital of Caracas.
Starbucks posted a statement on its website to combat the persistent rumors about the company and its CEO's support for Israel.
“Rumors that Starbucks Coffee Company and its management support Israel are unequivocally false. Starbucks is a non-political organization and we do not support any political causes anywhere in the world,” it said.
Starbucks has sought to debunk rumors alleging a link between its CEO Howard Schultz and the Israeli Armed Forces as far back as 2006, though the rumor has resurfaced during the most recent conflict.
“Whenever there is tension in the region most U.S. headquartered organizations, they are targets,” said Rana Shaheen, communications manager for Starbucks Middle East. “Along with Starbucks you have McDonalds, Coke, the list is never ending.”
“These rumors may have originated because the CEO happens to be a Jew,” she told AlArabiya.net, but underscored that Starbucks itself does not have a political agenda. “The political views of any employee at any level – and the chain of command is very long – has no bearing whatsoever on the company brand.”
She noted that the heads of several major American companies happen to be Jewish so they become targets during periods of conflict.
Shaheen said Starbucks will be launching a Middle East website next month to help correct such disinformation campaigns.
A boycott of Danish products last year and in 2006 in retaliation for the publication of offensive cartoons dealt a significant blow to the profits companies with a significant presence in the Middle East.
Whether the proposed boycotts would have the intended economic effect on the U.S., however, was unclear, since as several companies pointed out they hire local workers and support the local economy.
"Given the local nature of our business, we believe that calls for boycotts of our products are not the appropriate way to further any causes, as they primarily hurt the local economy, local businesses and local citizens," Kadri Taib, Coca-Cola Malaysia public affairs and communications director, said in a statement.
In Malaysia a Muslim consumer group called Friday for a boycott of several U.S. companies including Coca-Cola.
Alarabiya
tallg would you like some references?
Also, there has been a boycott that has gotten quite a bit of attention recently, as a slew of British actors and writers are refusing to work for the BBC again if the don't issue the DEC appeal for aid to Gaza.
Now the BBC's board of directors has said it WILL review Mark Thompson's decision.
Quite frankly, I am not looking to recruit people, there are droves of individuals who are well read on the topic, from various nationalities and faiths; including, the Jewish faith, who want to stop the genocide.
Jewish owned companies are NOT targets. We have no issues with the Jewish people and to suggest so is false. For goodness sakes some of the strongest boycott initiatives are done by Jews in New York!
Just after decades of ethnic cleansing we are taking a stand. I can't say I miss any of the products I boycott. And we are not asking everyone to Boycott every company affiliated with Israel, only those that are strongly invested in Israel, operate on occupied lands, and help to strengthen the economy of a State who has a history of 6 decades of ethnically cleansing a civilian population, comprised of mostly farmers, because they were Christians and/or Muslims.
Those can come and hurl insults...we don't care...we are a committed group who believes in the rights of all humanity. Good luck trying to change our minds.
I keep thinking about that programme from yesteryear "Citizen Smith" when I read this thread and the previous one it is related to.
While I am not a boycott supporter, I do think the way that Mira and other have gone about this is smart. Making it manageable, providing a list of substitutes for consumers -- this makes people feel like they actually CAN do this and maintain their efforts.
And what's wrong with narrowing focus and choosing just a few of the most egregious companies (as they see it)? I understand your point (why this guy but not that other company?), but it truly doesn't have to be all or nothing...
Again, while I don't support the boycott, I certainly admire the way that these folks have organized themselves and are getting politically active. It's a shame this kind of stuff doesn't happen more often in this part of the world...maybe this will start the ball rolling more in that regard.
My point is if they are boycotting Coca cola because they pay money to isreal, then everything on my list they should also boycott, you can't just chose what you don't like for something like a boycott, it should be all or nothing.
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samael, its regarding Israel, not jews. the country, not the race.
maybe u will like this: http://www.qatarliving.com/node/337355
---Life is Fragile, Handle with Prayer---
I pressume this also means you will be boycotting anything and everyone that pays american taxes seeing as the U.S. still send millions in weapons aid to isreal from tax income. So you better get with emptying you cupboards. Hope you aren't driving an american car or wearing an american brand of clothing.
Then there is pretty much every movie from hollywood which will either have a jewish production company or actual studio. Burn your kids Disney movies... That's right, CEO is jewish. Stop using most of your computer software and half of the internet (Oracle is jewish owned).
Hope you haven't been using Google btw.
Oh glad to see you got a facebook profile... Seeing as facebook was created by Mark Zuckerberg.
about 99% of jewish people in the west pay their synagogue, even if they aren't devout, which in turn pays money to isreal, and usually recieves some kind of funding from isreal.
I in no way condone what isreal is doing, but you have to understand how unrealistic your boycott is.
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Oh dear me. Some people really do believe whatever they read.
ZOA calls for Coca-Cola boycott in support of Jewish family
by ben harris
jta
For nearly three decades, Refaël Bigio has struggled to recover assets taken from his family by the Egyptian government as part of the country’s broad seizure of Jewish-owned property.
Bigio’s grandfather owned a factory outside Cairo in an area he describes as “prime real estate.” In the 1930s, the Coca-Cola Company rented space from the Bigios for its first bottling operations in Egypt. Later the Bigios opened a factory that produced bottle caps for the company. In 1962, Egypt seized the property and formed a new company, the El Nasr Bottling Company, from the merger of Bigio’s company and Coca-Cola’s Egyptian subsidiary.
Three years later, the Bigios were driven from Egypt. Since the 1970s, they have been trying to recover the property. A lawsuit in Egyptian courts went nowhere.
In 1993, Bigio learned that Coca-Cola was about to purchase a significant stake in El Nasr. Bigio said he approached Coca-Cola with several proposed settlements. When that effort failed, he filed a lawsuit against the company in the United States.
This month, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide whether an Egyptian court is the appropriate place for the lawsuit against Coca-Cola, which has moved repeatedly to have the case dismissed on jurisdictional grounds.
The Bigio case has come to the attention of the Zionist Organization of America, which is calling for a boycott of the company.
Leonard Getz, a Coca-Cola shareholder and a Philadelphia-based national vice president of the ZOA, was rebuffed when he moved to allow company shareholders to consider a proposal on the matter at their upcoming meeting.
Getz’s proposal condemned the company for violating its code of conduct by deriving benefit from an anti-Semitic campaign against the Bigios. The proposal also called for Coca-Cola to compensate the Bigios but did not specify an amount.
In denying Getz’s request that the proposal be heard at the shareholders meeting, Coca-Cola argued that it referred to ongoing litigation that as a matter of company operations should be left to the management.
“Until the Bigios’ case is justly and fairly resolved, we urge all Americans and all others of good will to refrain from purchasing any of Coca-Cola’s products,” ZOA President Morton Klein said.
Bigio’s lawyer, Nathan Lewin of Washington, said Coca-Cola has labored intensively to have the case dismissed and avoid having the facts discussed in court.
“Coca-Cola has not once in all these years come up and said, ‘The reason we don’t owe the Bigios is X,’” Lewin said “They don’t have a defense. Instead they’ve been saying dismiss the case, try it in Egypt — but for God’s sake, don’t get to the merits of this case.”
A judgment against the company could be worth $100 million to $200 million, Lewin said.
When Coca-Cola sought to have the case moved to Egypt, ZOA filed an amicus brief attesting to the unlikelihood that the Bigios could receive a fair hearing in an Egyptian court.
“Egypt took the property from these people in the first place,” said ZOA lawyer Susan Tuchman. “Anti-Semitism has been a longstanding problem in Egypt. It’s still rampant today. The notion they would get a fair hearing in an Egyptian court is ridiculous.”
A spokeswoman for Coca-Cola said that Egyptian courts have ruled in favor of Jewish families who lost property. Moreover, she said, there are outstanding questions regarding Bigio’s claims that cannot be adequately considered in an American court.
“The company doesn’t know what exactly transpired,” she said. “There are a ton of questions that have been brought to bear, and we believe that if the case is addressed in Egypt, the questions can be answered.”
But Bigio, now 63, says his claims are well documented and that if they are given a hearing in an American court, he will prevail. “I have no doubt,” he said. “Because we are the owner of these assets, and these assets were stolen from us — and you can’t go and buy stolen assets. All the profits that Coca-Cola generating out of Egypt, my family, and my mother, have a share.”