The idea of doing a blog never before occurred to me, but having been given the opportunity, I find it a welcome challenge at the start of my ninth decade on the planet. I hope it will allow me to find at long last unity in diversity, exploring several distinct concerns that constitute my private and professional life, my academic identity and my engagement as a citizen, and fulfill an ambition to write more poems than in the recent past. I hope, also, that it will stimulate enough of a response to frame dialogues over time on a variety of themes, and that I will not feel either overwhelmed or completely on my own while navigating through cyberspace.
I am not sure, of course, that the interest in this venture will extend much beyond those who are family or unconditionally loyal friends, or even in such close quarters. Because I have had strong involvement with a number of activist struggles over the years, my awareness has to some extent been shaped by happenings in public space. My scholarly life, which has always been in tandem with this activism, is not likely to be of much interest except possibly to others working on similar problems from congenial perspectives. Only time will tell.
I hope that this blog will over time become interactive, a way of engaging in digital communication about shared concerns and common interests.
For me, also, it will be a continuing experiment with lots of questions to answer. Will anyone take note? Can I sustain my own effort to communicate regularly? Will the blog assume a predominantly political character? Or will it serve primarily as an outlet for mostly suppressed literary and philosophic interests? Will it come to please or embarrass relatives and friends?
All I know is that for me at this moment I am about to dive into an unknown sea from a dizzying height!
With the experience of a year and a half, I have become aware that there are many diverse comments that have responded to my posts. I welcome free and open discussion, provided there seems to be a constructive intent and the views submitted are expressed in a civil manner, but I do not necessarily endorse the views of or agree with every comment that is published and do not have the time to respond to all comments. I also lean toward inclusiveness, and have allowed comments on the blog that others may find objectionable, but have excluded some that are personally vindictive or encourage ethnic or religious hatred.
I look forward to following your blog. You have been an inspiration to me, so thank you for doing what you do.
Really? A clown that hates America? A guy that blames the world problems on America? Wow, and I thought he was a joke.
It’s been about a week that I have followed you, and it feels very comfortable–like coming home at night after a day of smiling and nodding no matter what, and finally slipping off one’s shoes, and bra, too and breathing in a rare breath of true fresh air. Thank you.
Thanks, Alice, for such an encouraging comment! I can only hope that I will manage to sustain your comfort level!
Alice, Let me translate, Relax and enjoy and listen to me hate America, and blame them for the worlds problems. You just sit there and listen to me, and by the way feel free to not have a mind of your own.
Alice, Maybe you should just relax and have a cup of tea while the rest of us fight for freedom!!
Richard:
Your Cancun reflections piece is brilliant, and fits precisely David’s and my rationale for our ecological commons governance project. Commoner Pilgrimage, one might say.
Thanks, as always!
BTW, please make room for more than one email address; also a Cc line for easy email sharing.
Burns: I am encouraged by your response. I agree that your project fills a consciousness gap that is totally absent among the negotiating parties here in Cancun. Old style national interests dominate the atmosphere. The USG is partly responsible as it has shifted its identity from benevolent hegemon partially serving global interests while promoting its own to parochial and fiscally challenged hegemon unable to throw its weight around any longer,
but still setting the tone, which now is one of ‘beggar thy neighbor.’
Will anyone take note? Are you kidding? Observing from the height of my seventh decade, I can assure you that I will be reading…and expecting you to take me to dizzying heights…as you always have!
John: It is such an unexpected surprise to be back in touch, and to be the recipient of your typically generous words. I remember vividly and fondly our times together back at Princeton. If not Redlands, then you should make it to the coast. We are still living in Santa Barbara, teaching at UCSB.
John, really, you can’t think on your own?
What a well done blog. Thank you for sharing and I look forward to following along!
Dear Richard,
I am delighted to have come across your blog. I have missed you since I left the CCIA of the World Council of Churches. I look forward to being in touch and following your amazing thinking. thank you for this. Warmest regards from Cyprus.
Dear Salpy: How nice to hear from you!! What are you doing? Happy holidays!!
Salpy: I didn’t have the full text of your comment when I sent my reply! Thanks for your encouragement. What keeps you on Cyprus?
I took a small break from the professional world to raise my adorable little daughter, Leonie, who is now three and a half. Moved to warmer and sunnier Cyprus a little over a year ago after a couple of years feeling lonely in cold and mostly dark Stockholm. With all its challenges we are at least surrounded with my loving family. Now learning to juggle between the worlds of motherhood and international affairs…I have an idea I want to share with you. Can you send me your email. Would love to see you in Cyprus. Happy holidays and all the best for the New Year.
Dear Richard,
Even though I use to read your articles at the Transnational, TFF, homepage, I discovered your own blog today. When I have the time, I´ll take a deeper look at the articles.
However, I have already started reading “Anarchism without Anarchism”. I sense that the philosophical anarchist thoughts are just right in time.
If you send me an e-mail address where I can reach you,
I´ll give you some promising results of my experiments with dialogue and critical descriptions of the current decline of politics and ideology.
Thank for your work for human rights, peace, justice, and your stand in the Israel/Palestine tragedy.
Warm regards,
Björn Lindgren
Björn Lindgren
Törsbogatan 79
S-388 91 Vassmolösa
SWEDEN
Tel. (0)480 – 41 19 82
E-mail: bjorn.lindgren@telia.com
Dear Richard. I would like you to urgently contact me regarding your recent troubles with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (that was published by AFP yesterday). I could pass to you some extremely sensitive materials that would force Ban Ki-moon to shut up forever. You can have a look at what I am talking about on my web site: http://www.911-truth.net or on the site mentioned above.
Sincerely yours,
Dimitri Khalezov.
Thanks for your blog! Just got a link via a fbook friend for your post: “The Toxic Residue of Colonialism: Protecting Interests, Disregarding Rights”. Your title got me in straight away – I am printing it off to read on the bus home tonight. Am tuned in right now to direct radio reports from Tahrir Square – post Mubarak’s speech where he didn’t step down – and I reckon your article is going to provide some insights in these historic and turbulent moments. J
What would many of us do without the presence of the excellent suggestions you talk about on this site? Who has got the persistence to deal with vital topics for the health of common readers like me? My spouse and i and my pals are very fortunate to have your web blog among the kinds we frequently visit. It is hoped you know how considerably we enjoy your working hard! Best wishes through us all.
Thanks for this encouragement, which is much appreciated, giving me incentive to keep going!
I hope Mr. Falk will act on this…..
As a regular contributer to the comment section of Steve Clemons’ site, “The Washington Note”, all who participate there will attest to my prolific, longstanding, and hearty criticism of Israeli policies, and our subsidation and support of those policies.
However, I recently recieved a link to Falk’s article, that linked me to a site called “Veterans today”. Interested in the comments the article received, I was alarmed to find examples of virulent anti-semitism, and even more alarmed to find that such comments were going unopposed by the rest of the commentors and contributers….
http://www.veteranstoday.com/2011/02/19/falk-the-united-states-stands-alone-with-israel-in-the-un-security-council/comment-page-1/#comment-175593
Here is an example of one such comment….
“If it was up to me , id bring back Hitler from the dead n have him eradicate all the fucking evil zionist jews around the universe. No bignosed corrupt jew will remain. He would be the one to make their sick fake religion disappear. As for Americans, their politicians lick the balls of the gay jews. America was once a great nation, now its a piece of shit homosexual gay land of the pussies”
Worse, when I took this commentor to task for his putred contribution, I was reprimanded by another commentor, who expressed the opinion that I should maintain some sort of “unity” with this kind of poisonous expression of hatred.
I sincerely hope that this comment will catch Falk’s eye, and that he will take the trouble to separate himself from such rhetoric by engaging that comment section with a comment of his own. Those of us that truly do wish to see a change in Israeli policies, and our support and subsidation of those policies, must surely realize how damaging blatant anti-semitism is to our efforts.
Do the right thing, Mr.Falk.
Thank you for you comment. I would certainly want to repudiate this kind of anti-semitic hate speech.
It stirs the very emotions that create such inflammatory misunderstandings and fears on all sides. It is
also complicated by the way in which zealous Zionists smear those who are critical of Israel or supportive
of the Palestinian struggle by calling them ‘anti-semites,’ ‘self-hating Jews,’ and the like. Taking your point
seriously, however, I will clarify my own position, at least, my devoting a blog to this issue.
Thank you Mr Falk. Reading your astute observations and opinion on the heels of this shameless veto, I at no time was under the impression that anti-semitism fuels your narrative. It is truly a shame that criticism of Israel not only garners the unwarranted accusation of anti-semitism, but it also attracts the attention of actual anti-semitic bigots, who attempt to attach their hatred to the coattails of constructive dialogue.
I agree completely!
You breed that type of hate Mr. Falk, your responsible for this kind of action. Feel pretty proud of yourself don’t you? You can stir the pot, generate this kind of vile hatred and then stand up and say “Oh, I repudiate that.”
Your as responsible as the person that said it.
Regarding your “prolific, longstanding, and hearty criticism of Israeli policies”, on which basis is it made?
simple observation..and some sense of common humanity, with especial concern for those who are most vulnerable and at risk.
“common humanity with especial concern for those who are most vulnerable and at risk”?
How do you suggest Israel should defend its citizens from the violent people you give a blank check to?
Marhaba Mr. Falk. Thank you for your wonderful blog. I’ve recently stumbled across your site, and have enjoyed reading your articles.
I would like to share your work on RamallahOnline.com, and hope that you will allow me to do so.
Looking forward to hearing back from you.
-Nick Marouf
Thanks, Nick, I would be happy to have my blog on RamallahOnline.com, and
will check out the website. Greetings.
Dear Richard,
there is an interesting article about Jewish identity which might interest you:
http://rightstatewrongage.blogspot.com/2011/02/time-place-and-identity.html
Best Wishes,
Right State
Dear Right State:
I learned a great deal from this article, which looks at Jewish identity from a perspective that is entirely
different from my experience. I found its main weakness to be its lack of empathy for the suffering of the
Palestinian people, and their ordeal of long-term occupation, denial of rights, dispossession, exile, and
victimization via one-sided warfare.
Richard Falk
“via one-sided warfare”?
How can you say that the warfare is one-sided?
Throwing rockets, blowing an autobus or a pizzeria is not a warfare from the other side?
Mr Falk, through some sort omoment, or intellectual short circuit, I seem to have responded to “Right State’s” essay on the wrong thread. So I place it here in the hopes you will simply remove it from the “US standing alone” thread. If not, no big deal.
Sorry for the double posting……..
An excerpt from “Right State’s” essay…..
“It (Israel) tries desperately to act according to the most saintly international moral standards…..”
Oh my.
Like dumping white phosphorous on women and children??? Flooding Palestinian farmland with raw sewage?? Targeting peaceful protesters with outlawed high velocity tear gas cannisters??? Incarcerating children without providing them with legal redress??? Razing orchards??? Shooting farmers and fisherman?
Although I did wade into “Right State”‘s rambling justifications for the crimes and abuses of Israel, I found myself pondering why I was bothering to read past the half sentence I quoted above.
I have no doubt that “Right State” actually believes that “Israel tries desperately to act according to the most saintly international moral standards”. The problem I have with such a belief is that the holder of such a belief can only hold such a belief by being despicably unmindful of the suffering Israel inflicts on great numbers of Palestinian people. “Saintly international moral standards”, in “Right State’s” world view, obviously must include the short list of almost daily Israeli attrocities that I cite above. And indeed, it is a short list compared to the lengthy factual itemization that one could provide listing the instances and policies practiced by Israel that are hardly “saintly” or “moral”.
I am hard pressed to decide what I find most disturbing…..
The virulent anti-semitism that often finds its way into a discussion or debate about modern Israeli policies……f brain malfunction, senior
….or….
….the callous and overt racism displayed by someone defending Israeli policies by casually dismissing the hardships and injustices that Israel regularly metes out to the Palestinian people.
I just sent this weblog post to a friend of mine
Mr. Falk, What a refreshing surprise! I laud you in overcoming your fear and the adversity of family disapproval for launching your blog!
Your breath of fresh air: your writing(s) were introduced to me on Al Jezeerah (i.e. “Kicking the Intervention Habit”). It made me see things quite a bit more objectively (as much as I’d like to see the Libyan populist uprising succeed and Gaddafi and arrogant son(s) leave).
It is a sad US commentary: that I now have to get my dependable, non-entertainment-based news from Al Jezeera.
As a lifelong political advocate, filmmaker and student myself, in living abroad (as should every American at least once in their lifetime), I have found I’ve gained invaluable media-selection perspective.
In Norway, where I lived and made films (in exile) during the Vietnam era, doing psycho-dramas on the national TV station (NRK), where East and West students at the U. of Oslo swapped stereotype roles, acting out one another’s presumed stereotypes, I discovered the value of true democratic journalism.
In Norway there are eight political parties – far left (Communism) to far right (Conservative – well, you know, Fox-ism). Each has their own newspaper (propaganda organ). And people of all parties read each others’ daily. The result – an amazingly civil, prudent and helpful and hurtless society (with 4 generations of retirement budgets pre-paid with N. Sea oil money.)
As to your vitality in keeping up you blog – I say, ‘Keep on, keeping on!’ (I’m currently in the midst of a film project shedding light on current affairs; I’m trying to re-enlist the likes of 85 year-old Sidney Lumet (my film director hero), Hal Holbrook, 85, et al, and my film writing U. of Iowa mentor, Howard Stein, 85, who vacations annually in Santa Barbara – I and his former students visit him there.
In fact, I’m deliberating about forming a new mantra. “Do not trust anyone below the age of 80.” Any buy-in from your side??
Neal
PS> Seriously, for your readers: if the progressive Left is to stand any chance of winning in 2012, they must realize the use and requirements that come with (owning and operating) a propaganda media (i.e., MSNBC).
While from Friday night on, through-out the weekend when American voters and workers are home, and might watch the news and be affected, MSNBC diverts entirely to ‘Lock-up Documentaries’ – or, as Bill Mahrer says, “Convicts Liberals are trying to rehabilitate, or, are filmed eating each others brains behind bars.’
Meanwhile, Murdock, the Koch’s, et al’s, Fox News is blasting its Hate-noise, ‘Live,’ 24/7, to the Weekend Cable News audience. (If you’re a news junkie, I am, you watch what’s available – and, I do watch them sometimes.)
In a 50/50 split US election, where a few hundred votes (and the Supreme Court) decides who wins, who rules and who’s Out, it seems to me a full-court, 24/7/365 full court press is needed – and should be obvious.
That said, I’ll revert to Al Jezeera for my objective news. And, I’ll await your next insightful article or blog piece. Once again – thanks! And, thanks for battling on behalf of the Palestinian hostages – Israel’s so much better off recognizing them! (Again, maybe painfully obvious to you and me. Not to them – obviously.)
Thanks, Neal, for your thoughtful and congenial comments, as well as your much appreciated
encouragement of my blog life!
I agree with your political assessments, and do not see much sunlight in the near term..
Of course, I am cheered, as well, my your trust in the geezer generation!
Richard
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Mr. Falk, Thanks for keeping your International Judicious hat in the ring on Al Jezeera with your “live” (Skype) weigh-in on the Goldstone Report. Prime Minister, ‘Everything-we-say-is-always-true’ Netanyahu, of course, wishes to quash any criticism of Israel and its (his) actions. The military general is always quick on the attack. Hopefully, the U.N. will take its time in carefully considering the Goldstone report and what is actually taking place. I know this Tragedy, that is Palestine, is near and dear to your heart. Two-state it, I say, and get it over with!
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Professor Falk:
As a former student of the late John Humphrey I have long admired your writings and your undertakings. You were therefore the first authority I turned to when the NATO forces began their current mission in/over Libya. I read the article that appears on your website and the Security Council Resolution 1973 and have some questions trying to reconcile the two, given the text of Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
1. Why do you consider the Security Council decision to be legal if it contravenes the wording and the intent of the Charter? (Art.39′s requirement that the action proposed be such as to “restore or maintain international peace and security”)
2. What is the reference (citation) for the World Court decision that states that SC decisions are binding and authoritative?
3. If the States that abstained from voting on the SC resolution acted irresponsibly in your view, how would you characterize those that voted for it?
4. How can a military intervention ever be judged as legal under the Responsibility to Protect doctrine, reliant as the latter’s implementation now is on its conformity with Chapter VII requirements, including that re “restoring or maintaining international peace and security”?
At this point someone just sent me word that Judge Goldstone has retracted part of the findings in his report on Operation Cast Lead. This is very disturbing. It must be the more so for you, given your own experience as UN Special Rapporteur of Palestinian Territories.
My thanks in advance for your comments, Professor Falk, and my best wishes for your continuing success, particularly as Special Rapporteur.
Judy: your questions are appropriate, and raise difficult questions that cannot be briefly answered. Let me try very briefly. The argument that has prevailed over the last 50 years or so is that UN practice of treating an abstaining vote by a permanent member as not preventing a SC decision has now become uncontested despite the text of the Charter.
The decision of the ICJ is in the Lockerbie case in which the Court disavowed any authority to review decisions of the Security Council even if they violate international law.
The states that voted for the resolution believed in the mission while those that abstained seemed opposed and yet realized that by abstaining the decision would be valid and the mandate to use force would receive UN certification.
You may be right about the Right to Protect norm. I have not thought through the relationship to the Charter and to international law. It is definitely a concern that needs to be explored.
Thanks for raising these hard questions!
Dear Mr. Falk
If you find time to visit my website and reply to me I would be most grateful. http://new.home.tripod.com
What I’m hopeful to hear is your opinion and guidance about what we the citizens can do to make International Law more stronger and more effective in an effort to protect minorities world wide? When I say minorities, one would usually assume third world countries, but my concern is with minorities in highly developed countries like Australia. It has been said and written a lot about Australia not being able (willing) to accept minorities, even when families are invited on skilled visas. My personal account can highlight my concern/s. What is your view about Australia and their approach to minorities? What is your view about International Law in relationship with Australian minorities? Do you see any progress in that respect? Kindly Thankyou, VS
Professor Falk,
Your blog is awesome! Is there any way you could enable an RSS feed for the blog, so people like me could read it in an RSS reader (instead of relying on email updates)? It is a supported feature of the WordPress software.
I will try to arrange this as soon as I can. Thanks for your encouragement.
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Oh my goodness! a tremendous article dude. Thank you Nevertheless I’m experiencing difficulty with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting similar rss downside? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx
KUNA yesterday is published the article: “Technical problems hinder probes into situations in Palestine – International Criminal Court Chief..” | 24/05/2011, which we reblogged at our blog at http://bit.ly/ir2sYH . Now it is quit disturbing, even an investigation by the ICC is impossible due to “technical problems”, caused in the paper wall the International seems to have become to investigate crimes against humanity, immediately resulting in kind of a statement Palestinians wouldn’t be of mankind at all, opposing, an UN member which itself, violates many UN regulations, International laws, the Geneva Convention as well as the Hague Convention ergo Regulations and so on. This seems to result in a huge paradox. We are hoping you could dedicate a blogpost to these events at ICC concerning this issue without we have to “endure” the analysis of so many biased or influenced media about this matter.
With Kindest regards from occupied palestine weblog
You certainly deserve a round of applause for your post and more specifically, your blog in general. Very high quality material!
Dear Prof Falk,
Thank you for initiating this wonderful blog. I have just obtained a copy of your book, Religion and Humane Global Governance (Palgrave, 2001), which (after reading its introduction) promises to be a fascinating study, as always. Perhaps one scholar from my own country (Sri Lanka) who would agree with your basic thesis is Judge CG Weeramantry, who continues to promote a multi-religious and multi-cultural perspective of international law (just as he did while being a Judge of the ICJ).
All the best!
Thanks so much for your encouragement! I know Judge Weeramantry and much admire his work and outlook. His dissenting opinion as World Court judge in the case on the legality of nuclear weapons is of historic importance, morally, legally, and politically.
Kalana, Let me translate for you, Don’t listen to him, listen to me. I have all the answers, not you. Remember, I think for you because you cant
Dear Richard,
I just have to say hello! You are one of the most inspiring people I have come across in my life. Your humanity is clearly portrayed in the most eloquent of ways as you implore people to consider other options. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I discovered that you are over 80 years of age – a wise elder whom I wish more people would listen to! Please keep up your amazing work – you must know that there are many of us out here in the wider world that follow your inspiration.
Thank you, also, for putting your voice behind the One State Solution and freedom for Palestine Movement. I grew up in apartheid South Africa, and I know that the only viable option for a meaningful peace in the Middle East is equal rights and a merged, open, happy, and loving society. I am featuring your short video interview this weekend on my interactive essay The Most Dangerous Game – http://fornequiem.com/themostdangerousgame/
The best to you,
Steve
Thanks, Steve, for such generous and encouraging words. With greetings, Richard
Hola! Interesante, no va a continuar con este artículo? Have a nice day I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.
Thanks, Chris, for this encouragement, which is much appreciated! Richard
I have been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.
I am deeply dismayed by your posting a RACIST cartoon, but your DENIAL of having done so is truly scary. In case your readers are unfamiliar, they should read you own words here:
“It is a complete lie. I know nothing about such a cartoon, and would never publish such a thing, ever.” This was followed by your apology for actually having published the cartoon.
You, sir, are a shameful liar. You do not belong in the human rights field. I suggest running for political office.
why would I possibly have withdrawn it and apologized had I intended such an outrage?
I just overlooked the details of the cartoon, and that is an instance of carelessness that I take full responsibility for, but I am sure that in my 80 years on the planet you will not find a single instance of deliberate racism on my part.
Wow – how about a bit of perspective here! Whoever you are, take a look at Richard’s work. You will find no stronger advocate for human rights. Respect your elders, and take a look around you to make absolutely sure that you have never made a mistake before you make such outrageous claims.
What happened to your cute little cartoon you ant-semitic UN tool?
I think that your name will be remembered…..
for your ignorance,
for your racism,
for your anti-semitism,
for your little cartoon.
How interesting. On the one side Mr. University Professor Falk, Hamas, Hizbollah, Al Qaida, and a few others. On the other side…. well almost everyone else.
Now what do you suppose that tells us?
That Zionists have way too much power, and that almost everyone has been duped because they control media, education, policy. That’s what I suppose it tells us.
Why is it that any message that sheds light on the truth of a situation is automatically “Anti Semitic”???… Is it not true that justice ,to America, is slanted and obtuse towards Palestine?. Does it mean you hate jews when you show ISrael and Americas wrongs??
With your permission may I repost this article on the Journal of Foreign Relations?
Thank you,
John Lyman
Editor-in-Chief
Journal of Foreign Relations
Yes, by all means. Thanks, Mr. Lyman, for seeking my permission. Could you give me the link for the Journal of Foreign Relations.
Dear Mr Falk,
I have just stumbled across an action in the US DC district court involving Bauer vs Mavi Marmara and others.
http://www.courthousenews.com/2011/07/15/Gaza.pdf
It does not make a lot of sense to me other than an attempt to get at the Freedom Flotillas through the US courts. I wonder if you would be kind enough to explain to me what is going on please?
Yours sincerely,
Richard Lightbown
Dear Mr. Longbown:
Thanks for calling this litigation to my attention. It is as you suggest an effort to impose civil damages on NGOs supporting the Freedom Flotilla, and discourage future such initiatives
that are regarded as anti-israeli. I hope that it will be dismissed by the court but on this issue one never knows how ‘political’ and irresponsible American institutions might be.
Richard Falk
Dear Mr Falk,
I realise that Shurat HaDin has a huge budget and in Nitsana Darshan-Leitner we have a formidable opponent.
Nevertheless is not this THE chance to test the legality of the Gaza closure in the US courts? On gazetting alone the blockade is very shaky. With the humanitarian situation attested to by the ICRC and UN organizations such as OCHA it is, as the UNHRC FFM pointed out illegal under Geneva Convention IV.
Is this not the best opportunity that is likely to come for a long time?
If the legality is shown to be false does this case not then fall apart, or is this wishful thinking?
Sincerely,
Richard
Dear Professor Falk,
just a few days ago I came across to know in which positions you still are and you were and how much you are fighting for human rights as well as for more humanitarian awareness (and environmental protection).
I do hope that you will never give up dear Professor Falk.
Also there are so many good tidings coming up by the young generation based on more awareness for humanitarian aid as well as for our globe.
Young people want to know the truth and are searching for. Many young people don’t believe what they are told by mass media.
It will take some time until their voice will much more heard.
But it will – I am sure.
To be honest: I admire you for all your efforts for a better world you did in the past and are still doing.
I am very happy to have discovered your blog !
With my best regards and wishes,
monalisa
Dear Monalisa: I am always grateful for your generous words and perceptive and humane comments. My blog is my luxury indulgence in an otherwise crowded schedule. I have never learned to manage time in accord with selfish priority. warmly, Richard
Dear Prof. Falk,
as longer as the war goes on in Libya, as more I see that the Al-Jazeera news agency (TV) supports somehow NATO. This shouldn’t wonder because Qatar is somehow involved too.
Anyhow, I see that the world is too silent against crimes done by some Western countries involved in wars of nowadays.
This can never be a victory as this kind of war is made of pure barbarian roots. To destroy a country in order to get resources on the cost of human lives shows the way back to Middle Ages clearly.
In order to get somehow a more objective information what is really going on I have to listen and to see other TV news. Its a real shame that in so-called democratic countries no real objective information or at least a minimum of true information is supplied.
Anyhow, I send you my best wishes for your wellbeing,
monalisa
As always, thanks, for your sensitive comments that seem so responsive to the same realities that I perceive, but most political elites avoid! Richard
Greetings Professor Falk:
Your Wikipedia entry cites you for the following description of your family: “Assimilationist Jewish with a virtual denial of even the ethnic side of Jewishness.” The sources is listed as “Fifty Key Thinkers In International Relations.” The good folks @ Google Books were nice enough to display the table of contents online, and the chapter cited is about Richard…. ROSECRANCE. Did you describe your family thus? Looks like weaselly tactics by someone opposed to your ideas editing Wikipedia. No local public library has the title. Thanks for any response.
Dear Richard
I certainly share your views and have a similar, although not as articulate, blog on wordpress at http://paulmailletpeacemaker.wordpress.com
As a retired colonel I was asked by the flotilla 2011 to be a neutral inspector of cargo, and had an revealing exchange of views with both the flotilla and Isreali embassy in Ottawa.
We are now trying to do some work in Yemen.
best wishes with your blog. I will read it with interest.
regards
Paul Maillet
Colonel (retired)
Email: pmaillet@magma.ca
Tel: 613.841.9216 Cell: 613.866.2503
President Paul Maillet CENTER FOR ETHICS
Web: http://paulmailletethics.wordpress.com
Peacemaker Initiative
Web: http://paulmailletpeacemaker.wordpress.com
Hi Professor Falk,
A student group at the University of Pennsylvania is trying to contact you about a potential speaking engagement in February. Could you please write to pennbds @ gmail . com and let us know the best way of contacting you? We can send you all the details via email. I look forward to hearing from you!
M. Note
Professor Falk,
I have been reading your writings for many, many years. What a wonderful surprise to find your blog. Thanks!
Taline Voskeritchian
Boston
Blog:PassagesHome:talinedv.wordpress.com
Taline Voskeritchian:
Thanks for your encouragement, much appreciated. And I hope you will not disappointed
by my blog that is a kind of voyage of adventure for me.
Richard
Professor Falk,
I attended your lecture at McGill University last month on drone assassination. I was very pleased with what you had to say and have been following your blog since.
I am currently working on a documentary and would like to know if you had time to on your busy schedule to possibly conduct some type of interview.
If you would like more information on the project please let me know.
Best regards and hope to hear from you,
CB
Thanks for your message. If we can find a convenient time I would be glad to do the interview,
although you must let me know the focus of your interest and the purpose of the interview.
Dear Charles Bourassa:
Thanks for your message. I would be glad to do the interview if we can find a convenient time and you let me know what you are working on and the purpose of the interview.
Richard Falk
Hi Richard,
I really enjoy your writing, and hope you can answer a question for me. You have written in your essays (and I have seen many times elsewhere) that Iran has not invaded any country in over 200 years.
I have been trying to trace the history of Persia/Iran to the last invasion. In 1795, the Persian shah, Agha Mohammed Khan, invaded the nation of Georgia. Does that qualify as the last invasion of another country?
If not, what was the specific event that qualifies? I have researched this off and on for a while, and the answer is elusive.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Dear Mr Falk,
Hope you are well.
Having read a number of your blogs as well as many other articles in regards to the Libyan Crisis, I was inspired to write an article against NATO’s intervention.
Would it be possible if I could send the article to you, just so you can have a read and kindly provide me with feedback in regards to the arguments I pose?
Kind regards,
Sheeraz
Sheeraz:
I will be glad to read your article. Send it me via email: Thanks for your supportive words.
RF
Dear Professor Falk
You are a great inspiration and a crucial and credible voice for Palestinian rights. For me, you are, along with Noam Chomsky, a deeply respected elder of justice and human rights activism.
Thank you
Dear Professor Falk,
I am an admirer of yours and have followed your writings both here and on AlJazeera for a while now. I am having a hard time finding a way to contact you, so I must rely on this medium.
Thank you so much for your credible and thought-provoking pieces. I found your recent piece on Nuclear Weapons particularly interesting, as it is a topic I have thought about previously. I do have one comment, though. I was attempting to buy a copy of your book The Path to Zero but noticed the really high price; I cannot justify to my parents buying a 115 dollar book. Would you know if there are plans to release a more affordable version in the future?
I must say that knowing I would be taught and mentored by esteemed luminaries such as yourself – even though you teach no longer – influenced my decision to apply to Princeton for this coming fall. I hope I may be able to work out the financial aspects and be able to attend.
Once again, thank you for your commentary and voice in the cause for human rights.
Thanks for such supportive words. I hope you will be able to attend Princeton.
Actually, I am still teaching, but here in Santa Barbara in the Global Studies Program of the University of California.
I agree that Path to Zero has been priced at a ridiculous level. If you send me your address I will see to it that you receive a copy.
Wishing you well,
Richard Falk
Dear Mr. Falk,
Thank you beyond measure for the brilliance of your heart and mind, your unwavering
dedication to truth as a professor, writer, and representative of the human rights and
dignity of the Palestinian people—for profoundly demanding that they be seen and
acknowledged and freed to live their humanity after decades upon decades of their plight, their sorrow, that has never left my heart or awareness on their behalf.
Yesterday you wrote that we should honor the hunger strikers, not avert our eyes, and
do our utmost to act in solidarity with their struggles. This led me to make you aware
of our simple response, an effort we’ve just put together over the past day or two that we’re calling Fasting on Fridays: In Solidarity with the Palestinian Hunger Strike. So I will simply direct you to our site, and allow whatever feels appropriate to you in terms of passing along this information.
Again, deepest gratitude for the strength of your years of conviction, service, and
humanity.
Sincerely,
Domenica Bianca
Thanks, Domenica, for such gracious and supportive words.
I am humbled by the Palestinian bravery and dignity under the greatest of burdens, sustained over the course of decades.
Your fasting initiative is an excellent idea, acknowledging and creating attentiveness. My schedule is difficult but I may join in this ritual of symbolic identification.
Warm best wishes,
Richard
Richard, I just learned about the mass media right wing shit storm aimed at you for your blog commentary on the Boston shootings and the relationship to US global domination, etc.
I just read your words above about diving “into an unknown sea from a dizzying height!” and, in light of what’s happening, your words seem prophetic.
I read several citations in an article today in RSN, and came here to find the original post so I can read it more closely. I’m sure your insights are brilliant and spot on. Look forward to reading the post.
Someone in your position needed to speak truth to power. I applaud your courage and truthfulness. I think it was Pascal who said, “men hate the truth that blames them.”
Stay strong, my friend. You are on the right side of this issue, but I fear what the Power Elite will do to suppress you and the self critical wisdom your words represent for our increasingly jingoistic and totalitarian state.
Dear Prof Falk,
Good day.
My name is Anton M. Pillay.
I recently read you latest Al-Jazeera article on Syria and was someone confused and concerned on this ‘new’ type of media which purports to speak the truth. In fact, I believe this sort of writing is highly dangerous to a peace process.
For example you state “What happened in Houla, although still contested, seems confirmed as the mainly the work of the Shabiha”
This sentence makes no sense at all!
On one hand the Syrian government say the rebels did it and vice versa. So where did you obtain this information?
Your further elaborate that : “more than 10,000 Syrians had died.” Where did you obtain this figure? Are you also in same boat which says that 100 000 Iraqis died in the recent American occupation?
I am worried about this new media propoganda. I find it very dangerous.
Kind regards
Anton
South Africa
Dear Prof. Falk,
Thank you for coming to Seattle and addressing the larger Interfaith community. Your graciousness in coming, pro bono, and allowing the goodwill offering for medicines to be taken to Gaza was greatly appreciated! Good to finally meet you~!
The two words, three actually, that I heard most bantered about afterwards were ‘eloquent,’ ‘elegant’ and lastly, again, ‘gracious.’
With you as mentor many, many people as your fans from all over the world of all stripes, hold your vision of a freed Palestine foremost. Know that we are here; and thanks to you, ‘we are not Silent!’
All the best,
Neal Golden
PS> Sorry it was too dark afterwards to shoot hoops; as I know you are also a great sportsman! Maybe next time…
Thanks, Neal, for such a supportive response. I was encouraged by the visit to Seattle. I think an awareness of American complicity in the severe daily injustices inflicted on the Palestinian people is widening and deepening.
Next time, I will do my best to shoot a few baskets, but it has been awhile!!
With my greetings,
Richard
What about the injustices inflicted on the Syrian people?
Hi, Professor Falk. I want to join in thanking you for your terrific talk in Seattle, most of which I heard yesterday on KPFA.
For people too impatient to listen, I think it would be great to have a transcript. Do you know if anyone has done one (aside from the excerpts at Mondoweiss), or has plans to? If not, I just might do it myself, provided that you have no objections to having it circulated. (If you got my e-mail about this, forgive the duplication – I’m just not sure the address I used is current.) Thanks.
Why do you have such an obsession with destroying the lives of innocent civilians in Israel? Your actions threaten the way of life of thousands of people who have done no harm to you or anyone else. You ignore hatred and violence in every country except Israel despite the literal thousands raped, tortured, and killed elsewhere. Can you say with a straight face that the people of Egypt, Libya, Saudia Arabia, Algeria, and Sudan are worth doing business with but those who happen to be born in Israel are not? I, like you, have been throughout the Arab world and to Israel and have found much more violence and disregard of human rights in many of the Arab countries than in Israel.
Dear Mr. Falk,
Last week, watching the only hourly news I feel has any value, Al-Jazeera, I was pleasantly surprised to see a brief interview with you. You offered a rational critique of U.S. foreign policy. I wonder why were don’t see more of such on the mainstream American news programs.
Palestine & Israel
Terrorist is the name they give me
Terror I am forced to spread
For what is mine this world want give me
My land to earn my bread
An orphan child would search for love
The love that he has lost
This world may put the highest price
He’ll get it back at all cost
My cause is fair so I don’t care
For the tides that rise at night
For what I fight is for my right
Tell me, is that unfair
Let them have what is theirs
Give me,that is mine
If we live on equal rights
Most things shall than be fine ( Jacob M 1980)
Wow, Thats great, maybe you can go over to Palestine and read that to them. I’m sure they would love to put a bullet in your head!!
Dear Mr. Falk, I hope this finds you well. My name is Christine Petré and I am editor at YourMiddleEast.com. Your Middle East is a fully independent newspaper; no affiliation to any external interests. We aim to challenge mainstream media by offering unbiased and balanced reporting from the MENA region. It would be a pleasure to publish some of your words so please do not hesitate to let me know if you’d be interested. I look forward to hearing from you, but until then.
All best wishes/ Christine
christine@yourmiddleeast.com
Dear Christine Petré:
Thanks for your gracious inquiry. I was not sure whether you were asking about making use of my blog posts, or doing special articles. The former is fine, the latter would be difficult as I feel over-committed as it is.
With warm best wishes,
Richard
I’ll translate, I really dont have time for you, just listen to what I have to say because you can’t think on your own
Read your comment about the Boston bombings…..Go Fuck yourself Falk! And get the hell out of our country you piece of shit.
You are a clown, What do you know about America and the fights we went through for FREEDOM? I have read your blog? If you just admitted that you are a Socialist I could understand, but you blame America, no solutions, just blame America. In a way I feel sorry for you because you don’t know America at all, just your thoughts. Come and visit us, but that would bring you to reality.
I wish you had been at the finish line
My comment is awaiting moderation. Maybe your Islamic friends should have shown some moderation before they murdered 4 innocents including an eight year old boy and a peace officer that died protecting you at MIT
Are you planning to attend any of the Boston funerals for your “canaries”? Or are you afraid of “blowback”?