Coleen Rowley's LTE on Israel/Palestine makes the news

* retired FBI agent, whistle blower, military mother, grandmother, and peace activists letter makes the Star Tribune


U.S. interests come first, require neutrality

It's great that the Star Tribune was able to report on the recent tense meeting between Sen. Amy Klobuchar and her constituents regarding the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza ("Critics urge Sen. Klobuchar to condemn Israeli assault," Dec. 30). But I think the reporter got it quite wrong when he framed our group as "local Palestinian supporters."
Our ad hoc group did include a few Palestinian Americans but it was overall an extremely diverse mix of citizens who requested the senator to condemn the violence and to speak out for a cease-fire. Many made the point that it was not in American interests to be supporting Israel's continued bombing, and no one in our group asked the senator for military aid to support Palestinian rockets or other weapons. Indeed, our group condemned the violent actions of both sides.
In light of the senator's voting record to arm Israel's military, however, your reporter was right to characterize Klobuchar as a "strong supporter of Israel." It is precisely this lack of neutrality that has crippled the Bush administration's efforts to broker peace in that part of the world. Is it too much to ask that our senator consider American citizens' interests first and foremost above any other foreign country's interests?
COLEEN ROWLEY, APPLE VALLEY

http://www.startribune.com/opinion/letters/37020694.html?page=1&c=y



*** what are you doing to bring Peace ? or do you support military power at any cost

I am actually good friends with Coleen, and she is one of the most passionate peace activists that I have ever met. I protest the war with her every Thursday after I get off work, and if any DUers want to join us ever we could use some more people. We meet at 4:30 every Thursday at the intersection of Yankee Doodle and Pilot Knob Road in Eagan. Our protest goes until 5:30 and then we go out for dinner at El Loro Mexican restaurant afterwards, if any DUers are interested in joining us it would be great to have you there.

but every Thursday (actually every day), about 5:15 I drive through the intersection honking. So, next time you see a blue Honda Civic (old one, a '97) and the driver is waving at you, it's me!

And I really admire how faithful your group is. I can't remember many times when at least a few people weren't out there, no matter what the weather.

If by chance you are ever out of work a few minutes early feel free to join us for the last part of our protest and our dinner.