Gilad Shalit.

Yes, It's me the Israeli girl who obsesses about her Nationiality.  But this time Hopefully there will be no fights  =)

Did anyone here the news about this kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit who was captured right before the 2nd Lebanon war 2006 near the Gaza Strip by the Hamas (Political or Terrorist organization depending Who you are), anyways he's still in Gaza.  There were discussions on "getting" Gilad Shalit back by releasing 30 Terrorist prisoners who are themselves in Israeli Prisons, for the sake of Gilad Shalit.  I know its hard getting hold of captured soldiers especially for the trade off of numerous terrorists But Im kind of angry at the Israeli government for the case of the captured soldier, Ron Arad in 1981-1st Lebanon war, Who was sadly kind of forgotten for 22 years.  Still Imprisoned in Lebanon, I just hope Hope HOPE they will bring him back-Gilad Shalit at least.  Because last time they tried "getting Back" Ron Arad we trade about 1000 Terrorists with Lebanon and received the other stolen soldiers but never Ron Arad, He Still might be In Lebanon dead or Alive, Hopefully still alive.

What do you guys think about this situation?  Should Israel trade in 30 Terrorists for Our soldier?  Personally I think so.  But maybe its because I have an "Israeli Connection".  Anyways Post your opinions, Im interested.

Nationalism is more than liking your President.  Nationalism is about pride in our government and active participation of its citizens.  It is about working towards a government that represents the "will of the people."

Where did I say that nationalism was simply liking the president? I didn't. The president is the one who controls the policies. He vetos ones he doesn't approve of... therefore if you support the policies you're supporting the president. If people were supportive of these policies there wouldn't be such a backlash against ol' Dubya.

Original Post by dcyounts:

No, I don't know anything about Canada Day, but I do know Jamaica's Independence Day.

heh so? - kind of validates p0nda's point. You know more about Jamaica than the giant country neighbouring right above you.

*rides off on a dog sled*

oh and to the real topic, I also don't think they should trade 30 terrorists - I feel sorry for the soldier but 30 for 1 is not a good trade.

nationalism is like waving the flag! and being ethnocentric. You see even though lots of people in the US don't support George these days, early on they did... even voted him in to a 2nd term.

And if you ask people they usually support the USA and their way of life first and foremost. That's nationalism to me.

even voted him in to a 2nd term.

That's debatable....

First Off, Sorry If I was acting "Too Emotional" as You say.  Didn't meanto attack, Just kind of angry before.  At least now I know a little bit more Of U.S. History, I'm taking the class next year. 

Yes.  Im very Nationalistic, Or in This case an ultimate Zionist, Can't help it.  I never said that "I was an expert on the situation because I lived in Israel for only 3 years", And So what?  I still Am connected, Know about Israeli situations, Read at least 10 Books about Israeli History, All my family fought in the wars even my Father, Have an Israeli channel which views historical news every Minute of the day, Go to Israel 2 times a year.....And you are an "expert" Just because You learnt this material in University?

I don't know much about U.S. History, And anyways So what if "It" happened 400 Years ago?  Or even 600 Years ago?  Should you "Just" forget the facts as you state?  What about the Spanish Inquisition?  Should we "Just forget" because it Happened over 100 years ago?  I never said I agree 100% with the Israelis.  But I have to say that Jews were also kicked out of Arab countries just in case you didn't read what I wrote.  And may I remind you that the Arab Peoples' Hold 22 Nations?  Israel Has a right to maintain it's land.  It's the only land they do have.  (Not trying to arouse pity).  And It's true, There was NO official government before 1948, Now there is, although not a great one to be honest.  And we give Palestinians plenty of rights :

* We Pay them as Americans pay for the Indians, At least thats what I learnt right now.

* We let them work.  There are plenty of Palestinians working with Israelis where I live in Israel which is a suburb of Tel Aviv everywhere, Such as in Construction, restaraunts, Kiosks, Even in the government!

Did you know that the Israeli government let's Palestinians participate in the government as well!  We even let them run for candidates in elections!  Trust me the Israeli government DOES NOT deprive the Palestinians, Sure we don't act 100% in piety but we do give them rights.  And If you claim they are suffering, So are we.

Israel is willing to trade 30 terrorists, Thats what the Hamas and Hezbollah wants.  Israeli Did it in 1981, But traded 1000 Terrorists for 3 soldiers. 

And you are an "expert" Just because You learnt this material in University?

I don't know much about U.S. History

I never claimed to be any sort of 'expert' on Israeli relations.

And I think it's pretty pathetic that you've been raised in America and in the American school system and you don't know 'much' about US History...

No Alibuch. sorry I should have been clear....I was referring to what JewelsmcBlach said in recent posts.

I go to a Jewish school By the way, Maybe that's why.  We learn in the majority Hebrew and This year emphasized European History.

By JewelsmcBlah.....  I learned the ins and outs of the conflict in University (many courses dealing with it). 

Original Post by alibuch:

even voted him in to a 2nd term.

That's debatable....

The first election was debatable... not the second.

Then again, everything is debatable, isn't it?  Hillary thought Florida and Michigan should have counted...

Original Post by alibuch:

Nationalism is more than liking your President.  Nationalism is about pride in our government and active participation of its citizens.  It is about working towards a government that represents the "will of the people."

Where did I say that nationalism was simply liking the president? I didn't. The president is the one who controls the policies. He vetos ones he doesn't approve of... therefore if you support the policies you're supporting the president. If people were supportive of these policies there wouldn't be such a backlash against ol' Dubya.

Checks and balances... everything he has done had to be at first supported by Congress.  This isn't a tyranny, he can't just do whatever he wants.

Original Post by dcyounts:

The first election was debatable... not the second.

Then again, everything is debatable, isn't it?  Hillary thought Florida and Michigan should have counted...

In case you missed it, this thread is about Palestine/Israel. It's not about America, nor its politics. Less thread hijacking, you are more than capable of making your own if that is what you wish to debate.

And I disagree with you, dcy.

And I agree with p0nda. Back to Israel bashing...

just joking.

Don't have anything to say, but this is making for very interesting reading   thanks.

Original Post by p0nda:

Original Post by dcyounts:

The first election was debatable... not the second.

Then again, everything is debatable, isn't it?  Hillary thought Florida and Michigan should have counted...

In case you missed it, this thread is about Palestine/Israel. It's not about America, nor its politics. Less thread hijacking, you are more than capable of making your own if that is what you wish to debate.

This coming from the woman who hyjacked a thread about nudist camps and turned it into a conversation about floor urinals. 

That thread was hijacked way before that, dcy. 

Original Post by alibuch:

That thread was hijacked way before that, dcy.

It also wasn't exactly as serious of a topic ;)

That's my point... it didn't matter. 

But a political question, whether based on Israel, Pakistan, or whatever, waged towards people of other nationalities is going to get responses based on their political background.  In this case, I am an American... I will respond to the OP with reference to American politics.