"Marching for Gaza" (Dec. 24, 2009) gives a one-sided context for the march, one that places blame primarily on Israel. The article does not provide any reference to the events that forced Israel to defend itself. Hamas and its leadership have perpetuated a cycle of violence that exacerbated a difficult situation which has served to make the lives of the residents of Gaza more difficult.
Hamas continues to deny the legitimacy of the State of Israel. Out of this position has followed a continued stance of non-negotiation with Israel and the rejection of a unity government with the Palestinian Liberation Organization (Fatah). Hamas continues to endorse rocket fire from Gaza into towns in southern Israel. We should hold Hamas leaders responsible for not directing greater efforts to improving conditions in Gaza and for not pursuing policies directed at extending the hand of peace. As recently as October 23, 2009, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), often critical of Israeli policies, reported on a growing Palestinian disaffection with Hamas in an article titled "Price of Hamas Principles in Gaza." One Palestinian man is quoted [as saying], "Of course, Hamas is responsible here in Gaza. They have to start rebuilding. But they're the ones who are rejecting reconciliation with Fatah. This will cause us another hundred years of suffering. The whole Palestinian cause is in danger."
The solution lies in negotiations between the principal parties. We wish for peace in the region. We hope that Hamas moves in that direction and is able to extend its policies to include the improvement of conditions in Gaza by recognizing that its partner for peace is its neighbor: the State of Israel.
Ed Greenbaum, President
Meredith Dragon, Executive Director
Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts
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In response to Charlie Thompson's Dec. 30 letter attempting to shoot the messenger (me) about the aggressive logging occurring on our state forests, watersheds and parks: the timber industry says with a straight face that if we don't clearcut the forests, the forests and wildlife cannot survive, and that a future hurricane will come along anyway and wipe out the forests, so we should cut them now. Everything I have said is documented and available for public perusal; if something is untrue, prove it and I would take it down.
As for the pictures, if the state did a good job protecting our public forests, watersheds and parks, there would be nothing to photograph. Readers, decide for yourselves if the photos of the clearcutting are really "sleight-of-hand" or [if they show] a serious lack of responsible oversight for these public lands that belong to the people of Massachusetts, not to the timber industry. See www.maforests.org. Better yet, visit the sites in person to decide on the wisdom of clearcutting our public forests. Email me (christoforest@maforests.org) for directions or to sign up for a tour when the snow melts.
Chris Matera
Massachusetts Forest Watch
