Time to Think

The Complex  Middle East                                                            #346 By Hank Silverberg   Commentary  Israel Helps The Druze Israel has been vilified in parts of the media and in parts of Europe for the continued war in Gaza, which remains a disaster for those who live in that enclave. It is still controlled by Hamas, a political and military group that continues to hold Israelis hostage and has never really cared for its own people and has in fact killed many of them. But Israel has been a force for stability in that region for decades and has continued to seek peace with its neighbors. That has been met with hostility both political and violent.   In the Middle East, right and wrong are not simple.  This week for example, came another twist in the region's complex reality.    ...

  Freedom of the Press                                                                                     #345 By Hank Silverberg  Commentary   They show up on the street, faces covered, wearing bullet proof vests, uniforms that say "police," but have no visible badges. Who are they?  Chances are, it's an attempt by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest illegal immigrants. As a reporter or a bystander,  you may hear about it and go investigate. But don't expect to get much cooperation. In fact, they will tell you to go away and threaten you with arrest if you don't comply. That's not the way it's supposed to w ork.  The Press is the public's watch dog. We are there to witness and report what our leaders and their minions are doing ...