Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Retroactive laws

The attempt by House Dems to force BP to pay for clean-up retroactively is not only unconstitutional,but sets a bad precedent .
Another is the attempt to reinstate the death tax for peoples estates who already died from Jan 1,to the present.
It is a principle of our constitution that we cannot pass such laws retroactive;y.
There is an op-ed in this mornings WSJ as to the economic uncertainties that are on of the main cause of the failure of Obamanomics.
In Russia Thia may be the norm.
This in no way means I condone BP for what may be its laxity.However it took Obama 71 days to accept foreign help.and 2 months to meet with NP.Listening to Govs. Jindal and Barbour,one sees every day the roadblocks that different agencies have put up to prevent a better cleanup effort.
Congress should concentrate on getting the administration working efficiently,and look at how they and all previous administrations were not on the ball in preparing and avoidinmg such a catastrophe.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Anti-Israel propoganda

As I have commented on in the past,there are many sources for anti-Israel columns and thoughts.
Some are evident when Chavez and Ahmedijean get together.Others from Hamas and the PA are also sources of hate.Yesterday I opened up my July-August copy of Foreign Affairs magazine.Although it tends to be more to the left,and not particularly pro-Israel,the articles are well written,and it is considered the premier foreign policy magazine, and is read by all of the foreign policy establishment.(It is good and important to know what others are thinking)The inside back cover has a full page colored ad by an organization called Goals for Americans.Org.It is an anti-Israel piece whose theme is "Freedom from Israel for Palestine".It blames all terrorism in the world on Israel and calls for a Republic of Palestine with an international seaport,2 international airports(1 in Gaza) and a highway and rail link from Gaza to the West Bank.The map they show for the "Republic of Israel" has Israel either pre-'67 or '48-it is difficult to tell.
Of course no mention of Hamas terror,rockets, multiple wars against Israel,Shalit etc.
Of note is that I have subscribed to the magazine for decades,and cannot recall such a multi-colored well put together propaganda ad.
But these are our enemies,so when you read Haaretz as I do,you don't know whether to cry or laugh as you would in a Purim article as is written today by Bradley Burston.
Imagine the Tea Party prevailing in America he writes and what would the affect be on Israel?
"Left-hating...Obama hating..clergy driven jingoists..clergy fanned derision of the Supreme Court..American vicarious Zionist groups destroying peace..."all led by the Grand old Man who destroys Jerusalem ,Irving Moskowitz.He concludes with a vicious attack on the Mayor of Jerusalem-Barkat-who he calls a "shvontz".
For the record Moskowitz is the greatest visionary of our time in bringing about a united Jewish Jerusalem.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Iran and the Bomb / Kagan

The statement by CIA Director Leon Panetta regarding Iran and its nuclear capacity certainly puts a timeline on how long the world has to peacefully stop the creation of an actual bomb.
No one can believe that Israel will wait until the very last second to act.Nor should we assume that Israeli intelligence agrees with the public pronouncements of the CIA.It could be that their timeline is less than 2 years.
The frequent visits of Joint Chiefs Chairman ,Admiral Mullen to Israel, is certainly not to discuss the weather.Whether the US under Obama has the backbone to either act alone,or with Israel or even with France,England and Israel is hard to say,for we don't have enough information.
Nevertheless, for Israel ,as is should be for Europe and the US,this issue is at the top of the security agenda.

Sort of interesting that as the Russian President leaves our country,the FBI announces the arrest of 10 deep-cover Russian spies.

I await more facts before I come to a personal conclusion regarding the Kagan nomination.However anyone who places Chief Justice Barak of the Israeli Supreme Court at the head of her "ADMIRE" LIST, CANNOT BE SOMEONE TO SUPPORT.
This is beyond her lack of judicial recpord,her liberalism and the Harvard incident re: military recruiting.
The fact that she is Jewish plays no role in my feelings,since a Liberal is a Liberal regardless of religion.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

The Ganchrow plan for Iranian ships /THE BYRD HOSPITALIZATION

I am about to present my ideas to bring about the surrender of an Iranian or any other Muslim -based group that seeks to break the blockade of Gaza.
While the ideas are perhaps a little off-beat, they could save Israeli lives who might be subject to suicide bombers on the ship.
1.-Announce in advance that any ship, and its occupants will be considered prisoners of war,and will not be returned to their native countries until peace treaties are signed.

2-Instead of having paratroopers come down ropes from helicopters,with the possibility of attacks by mobs etc ,let us try a new approach.
Chop up hundreds of PIGS, and drop the PEICES,together with small squealing pigs onto the decks of the ships.This will demoralize the attackers,cause many to jump overboard and hopefully allow for a quick surrender.

3-Announce that ALL prisoners who come off the boat will have to DISROBE, to avoid suicide belts.This alone will discourage these
women to board.The announcement will say,that prison garb will be available once it is clear that these passengers are not dangerous to the IDF.
All phones,cameras etc will not be returned.

Following this,robots can go into the holds of the ship looking for people and explosives.

SHOULD THIS HUMANE APPROACH NOT WORK,THEN NORMAL MILITARY PROEDURES WOULD BE CALLED FOR.
=========================================================================

THE HOSPITALIZATION OF 92 YEAR OLD SEN. ROBT. BYRD,MAY DEPRIVE THE DEMS OF ANOTHER KEY VOTE TO GET TO 60 ON FINANCIAL REFORM,THE ATTEMPT TO REDEFINE CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND THE KAGAN NOMINATION!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Afghanistan

Most people will not fault the President for relieving Gen. McCHrystal.The left would have been happy to see an immediate exit from Afghanistan.The choice of Gen. Petraeus was a wise choice.However, the President will not be able to turn Petraeus down in Dec. when there is a policy review,and he needs more time and more troops to accomplish the mission.
In essence the President is now in the hands of Petraeus,and moreover by exposing the divisions in the State Dept.-WH (Biden) and Holbrooke ,has forced the President to bring them all into synch at least publicly.
Everyone concentrated on the insubordination, and not at the underlying issues.The President as a NYT op-ed pointed out yesterday, does not have deep feelings on any issue.Rather it is a problem to be solved.He only committed us to Afghanistan to show the world that Iraq was not the right war,while Afghanistan is.Thus he has inherited this war.s
Incidentally we keep hearing in regard to every issue--"it is Bush's fault"-never once did Obama credit Bush for the successful Iraqi surge.

It was nice to see the Senate letter by 86 Senatore to the President supporting Israel and the Gaza blockade-GREAT WORK AIPAC.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Petraeus and the Times Square Bomber

While I respect General David Petraeus as a true military hero,I am concerned that he is ALSO PART OF THE "POLITICALLY CORRECT" GENERALS WHO TOTE THE PARTY LINE.
Why do I say this?
I recalled that when the Times Square bomber was arrested the administration was as-usual playing down the Taliban-Pakistan-Al Queda connection.General Petraeus was quoted as saying that the bomber was a "lone wolf".
After the facts started coming out, we heard nothing more from the General
However if you Google Petraeus and the Times Square Bomber,we find that he called him also a "lone bungler". and similar statements.
Thus without knowing the facts, he immediately backed up the administration.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Two days on the road, and the world turns around. The Federal Court turns down the moratorium and the General speaks out.
General McCHrystal is obviously a tough and competent leader who ran out of patience.I have not had an opportunity to read the Rolling Stones story,yet I have some real problems.
If he wanted to give an interview, why with them?and why not a respected reporter like Woodward,or the NYT or the WSJ?
Why did he agree to speak to a left wing author ?
If he could no longer tolerate the conditions and the Obama leadership,
shouldn't he have first resigned ,and then spoken to the Nation, and explain his reasons?
In our system of civilian leadership, where the President is Commander in Chief, either you follow orders, or you get out.
I don't want to talk to the substance of his article, until I read it.However, even if agree with every word, my opinion remains the same.
Talk radio seemed to say that the authors took some of his staff out and they were inebriated while being interviewed.
Lesson no-1 -don't go drinking with a reporter unless everything is off the record.
The other "funny" story is Mexico suing Arizona-
For such chutzpah and stupidity-perhaps Americans should boycott Mexico-until they can keep their fence and border in order.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

BP

Tomorrow we leave for 2 months to Florida.Perhaps Elli will blog Mon-Tues.
Cong. Barton used inappropriate language in describing the Obama interaction with BP.But yet the facts are that BP was stupid to agree to the Presidents demands.
Of course they are responsible and must pay damages etc.However we are a country of laws,and that includes the Pres..
BP is a foreign company and was already paying damages.Had they wanted to set up a fund to expedite the process fine,however even if guilty they are entitled to their day in court.Thus if individuals were unhappy,then they have a right to sue.
I have no love for the BP team,and I have no idea if I own any shares.However the treament by Congress of the CEO was pure political "lynching",and under the circumstances.Hayward did fine-in that he had to ptotect himself and the company in light of a criminal probe.
The pictures of him at a yacht race,is no different than Obama-Biden golfing again for perhaps the sixth or seventh time since the spill.
Finally when are we going to have Congress investigate itself and the Bush-Clinton-Obama administrations for terrible oversight of the oil industry-Obama was the top recipient of BP contributions

Thursday, June 17, 2010

The Charedi riots / Oil and the WH

It is hard to watch the rioting in Israel as black-clad charedim protest the court ordered integration of a girls achool in Emanuel.The Ashkenazim claim the Sephardim are not religious enough.At a time when Israel is threatened by external enemies ,it is outrageous that this segement of society should act in such a manner.The parents have been ordered to jail for 2 weeks.
Perhaps it is the time to re-examine the money spent to support these young men who avoid the Army. And, the stipends for large families which allows husbands not to enter the work force should be re-examined.
Yes there should be exemptions for true scholars,preparing to be Judges in the Rabbinic Courts and outstanding scholars who can beome rabbinic leaders.But, these should be based on objective exams.The rest should be obligated to serve either in the milirary or do national service.


The actions of the Administration in stopping foreign ships that can suck crude from the water because of the Jones Act,and Labor opposition, show once again that politics is the only thing that matters in the WH

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

BP

Today was a good day for the President.He twisted BP's arm and got his 20 billion dollar fund.He also got 100 million as a gift toward those laid off by his moratorium.In the Senate he did not do as well on the money bills.
However, I believe this bit of good news will be short lived.
It will take time for people to gather documents and submit them.Inevitably
many will be dissatified with the pace of payment and the amount.
In the meantime,the oil is gushing,and at best will take months to stop, while cleanup can take years.
Everyday the oil story will be on page 1, and on the cable news.It will rob Obama of energy and political support for his programs,even as he is attacked daily by left and right.
With only 6 weeks left in the legislative cycle befor elections,he faces a low approval rating, and a nervous Party afraid of the voters.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

more and even more pressure

IF IT IS TRUE THAT BIBI HAS GIVEN IN TO PRESSURE AND WILL ALLOW INTERNATIONAL INSPECTION OF CARGO IN LIEU OF THE IDF,THEN IT IS TRULY A SAD EVENT.
This is the time for strength and backbone, not capitulation.

You have to wonder what is the source of the deep anti-semitism of a Fidel Castro for example, who compares the Israelis to Nazis,and the Palestinians to those who were led to the gas chambers.Where is the outcry from the world,or have they been so immunized to this hatred that the language is not taken seriously?
Didn't we make that mistake with Hitler?

The wsj reports a major mission by the US to Syria to try to wean them from Iran.How foolish and niave can Obama and Clinton be?
Despite Jamie Rubins op-ed in yesterdays WSJ,there in not a shred of evidence that N.Korea, China Iran, Syria,Chavez and his buddies,, Turkey and Hamas as well as the Taliban and Hizbollah have changed for the better.This Administration is smoking funny stuff, and is surely CARTER_II

The talk of placing BP under receivership is interesting-however the last I heard it is a British Company!

Monday, June 14, 2010

The New Flotilla / The BP LEAK

Well it looks like there is a new Iranian flotilla headed for Gaza which among other things has construction material.This of course can be used for bunkers and platforms for rockets.
Israel will have no choice but to stop the flotilla-to do otherwise is to proclaim that Iran has won and now has an open seaport for arms shipment.

The Pres. is down "inspecting " the oil leak ,returning to Washinton to address the nation and then on Wed. meet with BP.
It seems to me that the BP meeting should have come 40 or 50 days ago, but surely before he makes his speech.
Obviously he is playing the heavy with BP and forcing them to turn over long in advance of any adjudication of fault, huge amounts of money.While I have no sympathy for BP,I am concerned when you allow politicians the power to dole out money.
The idea of using this tragedy to pass cap and tax(trade) will not solve the problems of the spill, nor answer how we are going to avoid the loss of jobs from the 6 month moratorium.In addition for the time being we are in a recession,with high unemployment,and the last thing we need are higher taxes for energy,or destruction of our coal industrry.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Sharron Angle/ I DF questioning / Immigration

Although the press has tried to portray Sharron Angle the Republican Senatorial nominee in Nevada AS RIGHT WING AND OFF THE "CHART",I believe she will turn out to be a pro-Israel Senator if elected.
AIPAC reports that she has met with them.Knowing the " code words" and understanding that Harry Reid has been a friend since his Congressional days,nothing more has to be said.
Normally candidates who desire to develop a keener insight into the ME and all the issues and nuances,meets with AIPAC is given a huge briefing book.Following the meeting,they are encouraged to WRITE A POSITION PAPER THAT HOPEFULLY WILL BE PRO-iSRAEL.Usually they have close friends in their campaign who are pro-Israel and will serve as point men(women) to the candidate on our issues.
The latest poll has her up 13 points,.Considering he has been around so many years,being under 50% is not healthy for him.

THE FLOTILLA INVESTIGATION
The attempt by the US to have Israeli members of the IDF questioned by an International body is ourageous,and an insult to the sovereignty of Israel.ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE ANTI-ISRAEL POSITION OF OUR PRESIDENT.

IMMIGRATION REFORM
The news that new births in the US in now almost 50% non-whites is not suprising.
Look around at our community-who cuts the lawn,picks up the garbage,works in the grocery stores,mans our hospitals,and so on?
The doctor that gave me an epidural 2 weeks ago for spinal stenosis was Indian.The lady who took my tolls recently on the Florida turnpike spoke Spanish.Almost the entire building staff of our apartment house are not native Americans.
This is the changing face of America,a true melding pot.Of course like our grandparents the first generation has language problems.However,their children assimilated by learning English, besides the Yiddish spoken at home.Today we find many parents not teaching their children English or allowing their kids to speak the form of "English" used in black neighborhoods,(not all are immigrants, but part of the overall problem how do we save our youth)which is a path to failure in our society.
The need for Immigration reform is urgent,especially on 2 counts.
1-the problem of the infiltration of potential terrorists and drug mobsters is real
2- the millions of illegals are overloading the hospitals, welfare systems and schools to the point that all of us are paying dearly, and threatening to bankrupt cities and States.
Reform must include stopping the inflow at the borders,the immediate expulsion of criminals and those who overstayed their visas.That is a criminal act.Yet it is a greater criminal act to overstay your visa,than to climb over a fence in Arizona?
The difficulty is determining what are the criteria for citizenship? who goes first? Is there a penalty for illegal entry?Can every person be made a citizen and at what rate? what about children born here although illegal?
What are the steps necessary-ie speak-read English-? What is the relationship of illegals to legals awaiting citizenship? Can the country absorb 15 million in one swoop?
What if anything does this do with students and scientists who want to enter?
A difficult anf thorny question,that has so far yielded only heat but no light.Is Congress up to this in an election year? EVER?

Friday, June 11, 2010

OBAMA AGAIN

The Weekly Standard reports that the US will support a UN resolution for an International investigation Commission in the flotilla event.
Obviously this is the latest in the blatant anti-Israel announcements of this despicable Administration.Susan Rice,our UN Ambassador is reported to have lobbied for such a stance.
It will not investigate Turkey and its role,nor any other issue, except a blatant undisguised attempt to destroy the reputation of Israel.
They totally push aside the impartial Israeli investigation with a retired Supreme Court Justice as Chairman.
Of course Congress should publicly attack this decision,as should friends of Israel in and out of govt.
As for Israel, they should send Senator Mitchell packing for Israel can no longer count on the US- AS A TRUE FRIEND.
When Bibi gets his invitation from Obama for the cancelled meeting,respectfully decline-for it is not only a waste of time,but an opportunity for more pressure.
Finally as soon as the 10 month moratorium is over,Israel should start with a full and RAPID costruction phase in E Jerusalem and Judea-Samaria.

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Blanche Lincoln.-and other races

WHILE I LOOK FORWARD TO A REPUBLICAN VICTORY IN ARKANSAS IN NOV.,I WAS HAPPY TO SEE BLANCHE LINCOLN WIN.
Firstly anytime George Soros and Move-On.org loses it is a victory for common senseand the good guys.
Secondly the raw and intimidating power of the Unions should frighten any middle of the roader.Ten million dollars into the garbage to smear a decent Senator is criminal.
Thankfully Tom Campbell an anti-Israel former Congressman was defeated in Calif.
I don't know enough about the new Rep. candidate to face Harry Reid.However,one should be careful of what you wish for,-you may get it.She is a tough campaigner,with a lot of enthusiasm on her side.If the Rep. party can unite that would be an important step.
The Palin record so far in endorsing candidates for Gov., has been right on target.Since often sitting Govs. control much of the delegations to the national conventions she is laying the groundwork for such a run.

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

" Kick ass"

I recall once in my last year of residency our Chief, a mild but forceful individual was involved in a difficult surgery.He was not only a Professor in name,but a truly great and innovative surgeon.This particular case was not going well.
Everything appeared to be going wrong,and the atmosphere in the OR was tense.Finally ,upset with the nurses, and probably himself he did something in my 5 years of training with him I had never winessed.-He started cursing-like a drunken sailor-and then when he got it out his system,AND things started to settle down in the OR,he proclaimed-"ladies and gentlemen I wish to apologize for using a dirty word-I know I should not have said SHIT"-Everyone broke out laughing.
They told Obama to act "angry" and therefore in a most unpresidential comment that will not serve as an example for our young children,he said on TV, that he will find out who is responsible so he can "kick ass".
I can imagine going back to his offfice and saying to his staff "was I angry enough?" perhaps tomorrow I can say " DAMN or CRAP etc-get me a Theosorus of angry words and phrases!"

Monday, June 07, 2010

D DAY / DIRECT FROM THE GARBAGE HEAP-THE NYT

Real Clear Politics notes the absence of any WH mention of D-Day yesterday-sad but considerering the Pres was not in Arlington on Memorial Day=par for the course.
Incidentally yesterday the 24th day of the Hebrew month of Sivan was Sheila and yours truly'S-48th wedding anniversary.

I do not buy the NYT,howeverver we do read it since our neighbors throw it out in the garbage recycling area (where it belongs)
-Yesterday one of the lead articles was entiled " What to do about Israel?"(Week in Review)As though Israel was an errant child who must be manipulated and controlled.Helene Cooper who wrote this piece seems to agree that Israel and Bibi are hurting America.
Where is the reciprocal regarding a fellow democracy besieged on all sides?What should Israel do regarding the anti-Israel Obama policy?
The fact not really mentioned,is that America and Americans , as distinct from Obama have continued to support Israel over the terrorists of Hamas ,Hezbollah and the terror States of Iran,Syria and the other members of the Arab world.
Then there was a huge story by one Michel Chabon ,entitled "Chosen but not Special".
In this few thousand word (so it appears) essay on why Jews are as stupid as anyone and since we are like everyone(not special),we are "capable of barbarism"..like all other nations.
I have no intention to write a review of this sick article,however,if one looks at the Middle East and compares:

Womens rights
Rule of Law
Free Press
Minorities within the Knesset
Freedom of Religion
minorities in Universities,hospital staffs
Free and contested elections
All of the advances of modern technology and its recognition by the world financial markets
Etc-
we don't have to point to the number of Nobel or Pulitzer Prizes-rather our Torah which has been the moral, intellectual and spiritual cement that has allowed us to survive while other empires are long gone.
No Jews are not perfect-no human being is-however despite political errors,in a dangerous and hostile evironment-the NYT not withstanding- we can be proud of who we are and what we stand for.
And if we have acted stupidly-perrhaps it was for trusting Obama-and the UN
perhaps it was for withdrawing from Gaza and Lebanon-
perhaps it was for not listening to Golda Meir who said there is no such a thing as a PALESTINIAN PEOPLE-
PERHAPS IT WAS FOR STUPIDLY GIVING THE MULLAHS CONTROL OF THE TEMPLE MOUNT AFTER '67
YES WE HAVE MADE MANY MISTAKES-HOWEVER WITH THE HELP OF THE ALMIGHTY -WE SHALL SUCCEED-WE HAVE NO CHOICE!

Sunday, June 06, 2010

Helen Thomas / Unions / UN FLOTILLA COMMISSION

The absence of a huge furor over Helen Thomas' anti-semitic remarks( except for Ari Fleisher)is amazing.Imagine if she had talked about Blacks and said something rascist like "let them go home to their countries in Africa" how long would she last at Hearst? the WH? But attacking Jews-a simple apology will do.Do you think the Congrssional Black Caucus would accept that?
WHAT IS SHE APOLOGIZING FOR?-THAT HER REMARKS HAVE BEEN CIRCULATED?Certainly not for her vile and vicious anti-Israel bent,as demonstrated by her question to Gibbs over the Hamas inspired flotilla.Where is the WH press office-saying goodbye Helen ? or the WH Press Corps?

The Unions can be deadly when you cross them.Look at the hatchet job they are doing on Gov Christie,who is trying to save the State from bankruptcy.And in Nebraska they have poured millions against the Democratic incumbent Sen. Blanche Lincoln BECAUSE SHE WOULD NOT SUPPORT CARD-CHECK.

Since the UN wishes to have an International panel examine the flotilla story, why not save a lot of time,have the Arab League choose the members, and perhaps convince Judge Goldstone to act as "impartial Chairman"?

Friday, June 04, 2010

NIL ILLEGITIMI CARBORUNDUM

As you read and hear the continous barrage of attacks on Israel I find one key element missing .
HOW DO THEY PROPOSE TO STOP ARMS,CEMENT FOR BUNKERS AND TUNNELS COMING INTO GAZA?
Obviously that is not im portant-neither is the fact that there is no shortage of humanitarium supplies.
What is key is the drive to delegitamize and isolate Israel.
Firstly Israel must be strong and remember the motto:
"DON'T LET THE BASTARDS WEAR YOU DOWN"
THANKFULLY ISRAEL HAS THE SUPPORT OF MAINSTREAM AMERICA,IF NOT THE PROGRESSIVE LEFT.This includes Christians especially those who call themselves -lovers and supporters of Zion.

I propose that after Primary Day on Tues. AIPAC and the Dem and Rep Jewish Coalitions and the National parties, put aside politics,and have each candidate FOR CONGRESS AND THE SENATE SIGN A PLEDGE THAT THEY WILL SUPPORT ISRAEL,PREVENT AMERICA FROM SUPPORTING UN-SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS AGAINST HER-PREVENT US PRESSURE ON ISRAEL IN THE SO CALLED PEACE PROCESS,AND MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAN.
.
Support for Israel should be bi-partisan and non-partisan.

THE CURRENT STANCE OF OBAMA AND CLINTON TO STRADDLE THE FENCE-CALL FOR INVESTIGATIONS IS PART OF THEIR ANTI-ISRAEL PRO-ISLAM PHILOSOPHY.

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Israel must stay strong

The more you read,and the more videos of the flotilla you see, the angrier you get.Glenn Beck had a wonderful summary of the pro-Hamas, pro-Al Quida groups including Americans who are supporting the attacks on Israel via these ships.Some of the editorials across the country have been supportive of Israel.
Sadly the WH is trying to straddle the fence.They could have nipped the UN statement in the bud.
Netanyahu is correct that this was not a "love boat,and Israel cannot allow Iran an opportunity to get arms and concrete for bunkers into Gaza.In fact Hamas rejected the overland delivery of the items that came on the ships-proving they were not necessary after all.
The delay in the Security Council vote on Iranian sanctions because of this is pure political nonsense.
The truth is that no matter what Israel does on the world scene it will be attacked.
Negotiating with Abbas is a pure waste of time.In addition Israel was wrong to release those who violently attacked the troops.

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

RESPONSIBILITY !

As the world attacks Israel for the fiasco in the waters outside of Gaza,a few salient points should be underscored-as they are in the editorial and op-ed in todays WSJ.
When you have such a well organized flotilla,certain questions need to be answered.
1 Who owns the boats used?
2-who paid for the use of the boats-fuel crew etc?
3.Since no insurance company would cover a boat that set out to enter a prohibited military area,who but a government(TURKEY?) or a terrorist organization must be behind it.
4. Who paid for the airfare for those on the boat who flew from the US and other countries?
5.Since Turkey instigated and co-sponsored this why are they complaining of loss of Turkish lives?What did they expect?

In truth the ships were part of a Hamas-Al Quida-Turkey plot to push Israel into a PR hole.-They succeeded!
And now more ships are coming.
Hopefully either Israel will integrate these captured ships into the Israel maritime fleet, or simply burn them-by no means return them to Turkey.

Had this been any other country, we would expect to see the resignation of the Defense Minister, and all those involved in the planning.BEING iSRAEL.WE WILL WAIT AND SEE.