SEND your thoughts
READ our coverage
BACK to Your Space
|
NDP demotes Svend Robinson for Israeli remarks
As a Canadian from Edmonton, AB now living in the U. S., it really made me proud to be a Canadian to see Mr. Robinson, MP take a stand. It is about time someone in our national politcal arena stood up and told the Canadian public what is really happening to the Palestian people.
Thank you, Mr. Robinson. You have earned my profound admiration. You put the rest of our politicians to shame for not being brave enough to tell the truth.
R Sydney Chan
Edmonds, WA
As a Canadian, living at the moment in Cairo I wanted to say that it is
about time more people took the kind of stance Sven Robinson has done
with respect to the tragedy happening in Palestine at the moment.
Like Mr Robinson I do not condone the activities of the Palestinians
with respect to suicide bombings or other acts of terrorism. I can
however appreciate their frustration at Israel's arrogance, as the army
commits acts of horror on communities in their show of superior
strength. It is too bad more of us are not moved to express our
revulsion.
Jenifer E. Darling
Under Alexa McDonough, the NDP is a party which has lost its old belief for social justice and public conscience. Is it really that hard for her and her party to grasp that the reason why Svend Robinson went to the Middle East is to protest against Israel's open violation of international law and human rights?! Or, is this another chance for her to take on her rival Robinson who easily outshines her in every aspect? The reason why Robinson can outshine her is because he has principles and guts to do what is right. We should all have Robinson's spirits to stand up against what Israel is practicing now--state terrorism.
Li-Min Liou
Memphis, Tennessee
What an utterly spineless party the NDP has become. So far, the only party in Canada that can offer something different to our nation and it continues to melt down into mediocrity. I say demote Alexa McDonough. In what I've read of your article, it appears that Svend Robinson was trying to create a balanced view. He condemned the Israeli's, but also the Palestinian suicide bombings. If we as a nation are going to get involved in the business of other nations, then we need politicians who can be objective, fair, responsible and truthful. It appears to me, at this point, that Mr. Robinson was doing that.
Laura Di Cicco
I understand the importance of maintaining impartiality for reasons of diplomacy or negotiation, but how far does the scale have to tip in favour of Israel before we speak out in condemnation? Common sense and truth are taking back seat to propanganda and self-serving euphemistic phrasing.
As the expression goes, call a spade a spade - Robinson has the guts and moral conviction to do so.
Chris Abbott
Bravo for Alexa Mcdonaugh for displaying the courage and conviction to do what needed to be done.
There is no "misperception" Svend Robinson in my opinion is a very poor representation for Canada and created a great deal of damage to Jewish people here in Canada and those that certainly do not agree with his position on Israel.
To this point nothing has been proven definetly about what happened in Jenin, but Svend Robinson as well as the United Nations who have a majority of Muslim leadership have already decided that there was massive war crimes.
Such accusations should not be made without even first seein what happened. They have tried and ruled before they even know the facts.
Thank you Alexa for displaying such leadership.
Adele Hartum
I applaud Svend Robinson on his courageous and honest position on the
mid-east conflict. What is wrong with taking an 'anti-Israeli' stance in the
conflict? There is no 'right' or 'wrong' in any situation like this, just
'cause' and 'effect'.
I understand that Alexa McDonough wants to avoid taking sides on the issue -
a moderate stance is necessary for moderated thought. However, punishing
people in your own party for expressing their opinion does not promote open
debate in a situation where open debate is badly needed. This just makes the
NDP seem more like the Liberal party.
This is an example of the tepid approach to many issues that has kept a
lefty like me from joining or voting for the New Democrats.
Kevin Deroches
Svend Robinson is the only bright light on the political scene today.
The world stood by and did nothing when Hitler systematically exterminated
the Jews.
Today the world stands by and does nothing when global Zionism is
systematically exterminating the Palestinians.
Svend did what was morally right and not what was politically expedient.
If he get demoted for his action, the NDP is not just low in popularity but
morally bankrupt and I will cancel my membership forever.
Frank Ernst
No longer the critic, some minor humiliation, not good enough for me.
As far as I am concerned Svend's antics are nothing short of criminal. His lack of concern, or respect , for the position of a member of Parliament, should in my view be grounds for dismissal.
Lary Waldman
Bowen island, BC
I was very sorry to read of the hostile response to MP Svend Robinson's recent actions in Palestine and Israel; I've always thought that the NDP was a sort of social conscience for the nation, no matter what the situation may be. It is saddening to see them distancing themselves from that role now, when the objectivity of our conscience is most sorely needed.
As a Canadian with a conscience, I wish to thank Mr. Robinson for his stand in trying to reach the offices of Mr. Arafat in Ramallah. Way to go, Svend, for seeing through the murkiness of international politics. I, for one, feel truly represented.
Gabriel Matthew Yanicki
Sana'a, Republic of Yemen
Let us hope Mr. Robinson is relegated to the back benches
of
the New Democratic Party. His behaviour demonstrated on the National of
April 17th was far from prime ministerial and doesn't reflect that of
someone
who wishes to be party leader. Mr. Robinson may like to throw his weight
around
by bullying an ageing priest and tossing his protest sign over a wall on
the Hill, but
he was quick to pull in his horns when confronted by a soldier armed
with an
automatic rifle. He doesn't have the Charter of the Left and Excessive
Freedoms
to hide behind when he wishes to impose his views on those in another
part of
the world. Had television cameras not been present and Mr. Robinson
demonstrated his bulldozer mentality, the outcome may have been
completely
different.
Gerry Brosso
Gananoque, Ontario
Robinson spoke about what he experienced and what he saw. If it is
wrong to talk about these things, than what is right? Forget manners
and what words he used. He's trying to make a point. Is it right to
mask what is really going on in order to keep the public neutral?
Hundreds and hundreds of people are dying. Isn't it time to get the
real story! These aren't just ants we're talking about.... it's HUMAN
BEINGS.
Candy Li
Svend Robinson's latest antics in the middle east only confirm how
out-of-touch and ridiculously unbalanced he is.
He flies to Israel to 'show solidarity' with Yassar Arafat, a man who has
applauded and honoured suicide bombers. While Svend was in Israel, did he
even think of comforting the families of suicide bombing victims?
Since Svend is so concerned with human rights, where was he when the
Palestinian Authority was carrying out their kangaroo court executions of
Palestinian 'collaborators'? Wouldn't he consider the bombing and shooting
attacks against unarmed Israeli civilians human rights violations?
Jamie Hardy
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Svend Robinson is so starved for attention that he takes it upon himself to disgrace the Canadian public with his actions in Israel. There are proper ways for all Canadians to express their displeasure - through proper channels. I suggest Svend use these channels and act like a parliamentarian, instead of a one man campaign for his own egotistical desires.
Gordon B. Cull
I watched your coverage of Svend Robinson's attempt to enter the occupied
territories yesterday. I am not a fan of Ariel Sharon or Yasser Arafat. I
think both the Israelis and the Palestinians could really benefit from a
change of leadership. Nonetheless, I think that what Svend Robinson did
showed him to be a man of exceptional courage, honour, and integrity. I am
extremely proud of him, and I have never voted NDP in my life, nor do I
intend to do so anytime soon. I would really love to see more people who
are willing to listen to their conscience, even if it means not being one of
the popular kids.
M.C. Brady
London, Ontario
What on earth is Svend Robinson doing in Israel? I do admire him for trying to get some news out of Israel in these trying times but really..... it's not his job! That's why we have journalists. His talents would be better utilized in a political solution to a cease fire. The soldiers really don't know who he is and when faced with adversity he could be in danger.......perhaps danger his flackjacket may not be able to protect him from.
I hope Svend takes the first plane back to Canada and starts doing his job instead of risking his life!
Gilbert Dubuc
According to your web-posted news item (April 6, 2002) Svend Robinson attempted to visit Yasser Arafat saying:
"I'm here to meet with the president and bring a message of solidarity on behalf of the Palestinian people, to promote peace".
I don't recall hearing that Svend Robinson attempted to personally deliver a message of peace and solidarity with the people of Israel after they had suffered a series of suicide-bomb attacks. In fact I cannot recall hearing any message of concern for the welfare of Israelis coming from Mr. Robinson. I cannot see the logic in Mr. Robinson's actions other than his desire to show his deep disdain for Israel and the Jewish people. Whether he realizes it or not that is the message his attempted visit to Yasser Arafat conveys.
Nonny Beckerman
Thornhill, Ontario
It is high time that our politicians, of every persuasion, learn that when
there is a war under way they should not use the opportunity to "show boat"
for the benefit of the home media. He, Robinson, has no credibility in the
Arab or Israei circles and is placing our county's reputation on the line
for his own juvenile games! Possibly he could join the Palestinians or the
Israeli forces for some on-job training and experience before he gets
himself killed. Martyrdom is permanent!
Robert Peacock
Back to Your Space| Your Thoughts
|
