Obama Should Support The Audacity of Hope, Condemn Israeli Naval Blockade

By Ann Wright - 06/28/11 05:15 PM ET

This week, some 40 American citizens, including myself, will peacefully attempt to break Israel's illegal naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. The flotilla that we will be a part of is expected to consist of 10 boats carrying human rights advocates from around the world and humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.

The U.S. boat to Gaza, the Audacity of Hope, which I will be aboard, will be carrying letters of solidarity to Gazans, who live under siege in a virtual prison, cut off from the rest of the world and any semblance of a normal life. Our goal is to bring attention to their plight, and to bring about an end to Israel's illegal siege, which amounts to collective punishment of 1.7 million people.

Although we will be sailing unarmed and have no intention of entering Israel or Israeli waters, the U.S. State Department issued an unusually specific and blunt travel advisory last week, warning Americans against traveling to Gaza. Without giving any details, State Department officials also suggested that Americans taking part in the flotilla might be violating U.S. law.

The next day, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton accused flotilla organizers of trying to "provoke actions," claiming erroneously that we were going to enter Israeli waters, and added that "the Israelis have the right to defend themselves." As an American citizen, retired army officer, and former U.S. diplomat, I am appalled by the position taken by my government, particularly in light of what happened last year when Israeli commandos killed nine humanitarian participants committed to Palestinian freedom, including American Furkan Doğan, as they took part in the previous flotilla that attempted to break the siege in May 2010.

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http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/foreign-policy/168869-obama-should-support-the-audacity-of-hope-condemn-israeli-naval-blockade

and he need that loot the Israeli supporter pour into his re-election bucket.

Has she said her prayers? Written her will? Told her family how much she loves them?

If they aren't going into Israeli waters, what's the plan? Throw daisies and hope they float to Gaza?

PS: What's wrong with entering by the now open Rafah gate?