Congressman first US Official to Tour Damage in Southern Lebanon:

[Tom Joad]

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/14064

Comment: Dennis Kucinich, to his everlasting credit, was one of the very few in Congress not applauding the work of U.S. cluster bombs in Lebanon, dropped by Israel. He wrote a bill in Congress demanding an immediate cease-fire, in contrast to the Bush/Olmert/ and most of Congress that supported Israel "finishing the job", whatever the hell that meant. (actually, what it did mean was hell for the people of Lebanon).
_________________________________

"A Message from Qana"

CLEVELAND (September 1) Congressman Dennis Kucinich, ranking member on the Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations, and his wife Elizabeth have just returned from a personal peace-building initiative in the Middle East. Their mission included war-torn Lebanon, where they met separately and at length with Lebanon Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, President Emile LaHoud, General Michel Aoun, former Prime Minister and now leader of the Progressive Patriotic Party; Fawzi Salloukh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Yacoub Sarrat, Minister of the Environment and former Prime Minister Selim Al-Hoss.

"There was unanimity among Lebanese leaders that now is the time to explore multiparty talks with hopes of achieving a breakthrough agreement for peace in the entire region. All felt that political negotiations were key, as opposed to use of force. Each official spoke of the necessity of lifting the blockade, addressing the status of the Shebaa Farms, engaging in an exchange of prisoners with Israel and obtaining maps of areas mined by the Israeli army. (these were mines left behind for years, and Lebanon has long demanded that there location be specified, this conflict did not come out of nowhere, there are real grievances, and they cannot forever be answered with more U.S. bombs...
<snip>
While they were Qana, where one U.S. delivered bomb killed dozens of children....
Elizabeth Kucinich said: "Dennis and I will never forget what followed. Here we stood in the darkness, surrounded by people who suffered great loss, who had every right to express anger or even rage, yet instead they expressed remarkable depth of forgiveness, compassion and a desire for peace and reconciliation, calling out from the crowd through interpreters: "We do not hate America. We love the American people. We do not like what your government does. Please tell the American people that we are not terrorists. We do not hate Israel. We want to be safe in our village. We want to be left alone. We want peace." The couple promised to take the message from Qana back to the United States.
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Comment: Anyone who has been to such places from the United States hears the same thing. People insist on two things... you share tea or coffee with them, and you go back and tell the american people that they are really people, and that they want to live in peace like everyone else.

Kick this for brave souls, Mr. and Mrs. Kucinich.

[Tom Joad]

1. I just hope people see this post, Kucinich is a rare person.

[breakaleg]

2. Great article...

I know the point was about moving peace and forgiveness, but this stood out for me:

"The Kuciniches had hoped to visit the affected areas in northern Israel but were told by Israeli officials that there would not be much to see because repairs were almost completed."

I don't know if the damage had been repaired or if they just didn't want them to see, but it's in stark contrast to the images we see from Lebanon.

Kudos to the Lebanese for being open to Israel after what they've been through.

[MissWaverly]

3. Kicked for the people of Qana

I hope that they can rebuild their lives and be safe from harm. It's kind of weird to
think that we cluster bombed some place where Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding. Nothing to see here move along. Gotta spread peace, move along.

:-)

[Crunchy Frog]

4. K&R n/t

[TomInTib]

5. Kicking because it should be on Greatest Page nt

[eccles12]

6. K&R But why is it so difficult to get this recommended on this board?

this is a story that needs to be viewed by many people, especially those of good will.

[Tom Joad]

7. Looks like you put it over the top. So that helps.

[bvar22]

8. K&R

We NEED more Democrats with the integrity, Courage, and Leadership of Dennis Kucinich.

The Democratic Party is a BIG TENT, but there is NO ROOM for those
who advance the agenda of THE RICH (Corporate Owners) at the EXPENSE of LABOR and the POOR.


"Every one has a plan...Until you hit them in the mouth." --Mike Tyson

[mike_c]

9. K&R-- America needs courageous politicians...

...and DK is one of our best.

[eridani]

10. Glad to see this getting more exposure n/t

[Jcrowley]

11. Dennis Kucinich

is a person who has retained compassion and dignity and works for the plight of the voiceless.

His observations here are critical as most others remain silent on the atrocities which occured in Lebanon.

[KoKo]

12. Kick.....Kucinich ....