I should apologize to Substack subscribers for my not writing as much as I’d have wished the last few weeks. This is partly because I’ve been suffering with a terrible cough that I’m now told is officially bronchitis. And much of my efforts lately have been behind the scenes, trying to get a country to invoke the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice, which South Africa thankfully just did. Regular readers will recall that I have written
Best news in three months of sweating blood over this. Thank you!!!!!!! I am grateful and hopeful this will turn the tide quickly and dramatically towards justice, diplomacy, and healing for Palestine.
Sam, thank you for your tireless efforts around this cause. Your journalistic integrity and doggedness is truly admirable. Without your insistence that the Genocide Convention be invoked, I don't believe this would have happened. I don't think I've seen a single public figure raise this point. So again, thank you!
Thank you for your tireless efforts to help bring justice to Palestinians. Israel, of course, is calling South Africa's action a "blood libel", but they're going to have to answer this charge in the Court.
Thank you so much Sam and I'm sure your many subscribers wish you a speedy recovery. Also, thank you again for your tireless work to have Israeli genocide allegations put front and center at the International Court of Justice and kudos to South Africa for formally asking that court to adjudicate the issue. Unfortunately, because Israel essentially ignores overwhelming international condemnation as evidenced in the UN's attempt to pass a meaningful ceasefire, I'm not sure if the court's recommendation or verdict will have any impact on their behavior. I hope I'm wrong.
Another quick comment: I learned of Thomas Merton when reading James Douglass' book on the assassination of JFK. Merton's death in Thailand in the late 60s is also shrouded in mystery. If I remember correctly, it was attributed to an electric shock through a faulty fan cord that caused a heart attack. However, there was also a blow to the back of his head which was never explained as there wasn't an autopsy. As an influential peace activist during the Vietnam War, his views often ran counter to those in power.
Adding my gratitude, as well as best wishes for recovery. Make sure you don't have whooping cough (paroxysms of coughing -- mine involved hundreds of such paroxysms per day --lasting weeks to months), since (unlike viral bronchitis) it's bacterial and thus can be treated with antibiotics (the earlier, the better to avoid lung scarring). Just sayin'.
Elated that South Africa is invoking the Genocide Convention, but disappointed that it has taken so long for any of the member states to act on this blatant act of genocide. There is no question the racist genocidal State of Israel needs to be held accountable for its brutality and its refusal to adhere to International Law. I worry though about how far this invocation will go in bringing Israel to justice or if it will hasten to end the ongoing carnage. I am relieved, at least for now, that at least this step has been taken.
Best news in three months of sweating blood over this. Thank you!!!!!!! I am grateful and hopeful this will turn the tide quickly and dramatically towards justice, diplomacy, and healing for Palestine.
Sam, thank you for your tireless efforts around this cause. Your journalistic integrity and doggedness is truly admirable. Without your insistence that the Genocide Convention be invoked, I don't believe this would have happened. I don't think I've seen a single public figure raise this point. So again, thank you!
Thank you for your tireless efforts to help bring justice to Palestinians. Israel, of course, is calling South Africa's action a "blood libel", but they're going to have to answer this charge in the Court.
Thank you so much Sam and I'm sure your many subscribers wish you a speedy recovery. Also, thank you again for your tireless work to have Israeli genocide allegations put front and center at the International Court of Justice and kudos to South Africa for formally asking that court to adjudicate the issue. Unfortunately, because Israel essentially ignores overwhelming international condemnation as evidenced in the UN's attempt to pass a meaningful ceasefire, I'm not sure if the court's recommendation or verdict will have any impact on their behavior. I hope I'm wrong.
Another quick comment: I learned of Thomas Merton when reading James Douglass' book on the assassination of JFK. Merton's death in Thailand in the late 60s is also shrouded in mystery. If I remember correctly, it was attributed to an electric shock through a faulty fan cord that caused a heart attack. However, there was also a blow to the back of his head which was never explained as there wasn't an autopsy. As an influential peace activist during the Vietnam War, his views often ran counter to those in power.
Adding my gratitude, as well as best wishes for recovery. Make sure you don't have whooping cough (paroxysms of coughing -- mine involved hundreds of such paroxysms per day --lasting weeks to months), since (unlike viral bronchitis) it's bacterial and thus can be treated with antibiotics (the earlier, the better to avoid lung scarring). Just sayin'.
Elated that South Africa is invoking the Genocide Convention, but disappointed that it has taken so long for any of the member states to act on this blatant act of genocide. There is no question the racist genocidal State of Israel needs to be held accountable for its brutality and its refusal to adhere to International Law. I worry though about how far this invocation will go in bringing Israel to justice or if it will hasten to end the ongoing carnage. I am relieved, at least for now, that at least this step has been taken.