Palestinians also want equality

3/17/2010

In his overzealousness to smooch Israel full on the mouth, Vice President Joe Biden succeeded in slapping Palestinians in the face, just like other politicians before him (“Biden assures Palestinians of U.S. support for statehood,” March 11).

The media have said that Mr. Biden reprimanded Israel. What he said is that there is no line between the United States and Israel.

To swear his unwavering and die-hard allegiance to the security of Israel, he became oblivious to the wall of exclusion not far from where he stood.

Mr. Biden’s visit was expected to reinvigorate the political process, which Israel has prevented from progressing.

A spokesman for the U.S. State Department made a shameful statement that Israel is not violating agreements by building new houses in the settlements. No wonder Palestinians view this half-hearted effort of indirect negotiations suspiciously, and expect nothing that would benefit their struggle for justice, freedom, and equality.

We love our freedom dearly. Others do, too — even people under years of occupation.

How did we Americans forget that this is a fundamental God-given right of every one of us, and a right that transcends land, race, and religion? For the past 60 years, we have chosen to be biased and taken sides in this conflict. Justice delayed is justice denied.

Did the barrage of napalm bombs dampen the spirit and resolve of the pajama-clad Vietnamese?

Then why do we think it would for Palestinians who have been under siege and attack for decades by an adversary who has left members of the last four generations scarred?

Abdul-Majeed Azad

Perrysburg