I've decided to respond to Mr. Lendman's posts during the Gaza campaign to offer his readers a few questions to ponder.  Since I have never met Stephen... may I call you Stephen?.... I have no idea how he became so entrenched in anti-Israel and perhaps anti-Jewish rhetoric. The Chicago area is not as well known as other areas of the U.S. for prominent American-Jewish matters but maybe something happened somewhere along the way to piss him off.  And his true colors are showing when he refers to Cuba, Russia, Egypt, and even Venezuela as countries in whose leaders we should lend an ear when we are searching for truth. I do find the situation in Gaza distressing but not for any of the leftist, Israel bashing reasons put forth by Stephen in this post.  He makes the comment that "Israel abhors peace and stability. It depends on conflict and violence." Oh really?  Have you ever been to Israel Stephen?  A few sentences later are the words "Peace and stability are easily attainable." Oh really?  Not in the history of human endeavors has this been true.... anywhere, at anytime.  This post is not one of your better efforts Stephen.  But I will concede one partial point: rubbing elbows with America does assure permanent conflict. That's an American problem, one that's been with us for a long time.