Palestinians and other members of the Arab-American communities in Allentown have asked city council to pass a symbolic cease-fire resolution, The loss of life in Gaza has been enormous. This tragedy is a result of Hamas intentionally embedding their military infrastructure in civilian locations, including schools, Mosques, and hospitals. This strategy of using civilians as shields in Gaza isn't a new development, but in place since Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. The construction of those military installations and tunnels was done with the full cooperation and knowledge of the population.
The Hamas attack in Israel on October 7 intentionally slaughtered civilians, that was their objective. There was no call for a resolution from the same community at that time. Other groups also want a cease-fire, including many Israelis and Jews. However, it should not be the purview of city council to resolve on international conflicts.
On a less sensitive note, Mayor Tuerk has expanded the flag raisings of different countries, including two excursions. While we respect and appreciate all our diversity, I think that we should resolve to concentrate on improvements in Allentown Pennsylvania.
Maybe council should focus on attaining a cease fire here in the city. Second idea, send Promise Neighborhood over to the middle east to end that conflict, they've done such great work here sure they will do another fine job there.
ReplyDelete“On a less sensitive note, Mayor Tuerk has expanded the flag raisings of different countries, including two excursions.”
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean when you say excursions?
You don’t mean that he’s out of town during the city’s shooting season? Or is that all year-round now?
I was referring to his" missions" to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, supposedly to better "understand" segments of our population here in Allentown.
DeleteYes council should absolutely consider a ceasefire resolution. Government starts locally, and if enough localities adopt these resolutions perhaps the someone will start to listen at state/federal levels.
ReplyDeleteOur city government is considered a joke by those wise enough to live outside city limits. The best thing this body of imbeciles could do is say nothing about anything of regional, national, or global importance. Of course good advice, and good ideas are water off a ducks back with them.
DeleteCity Council of late has become a thankless job. Although I may disagree on certain policies, I appreciate their service to the city.
DeleteI agree with Mr. Armstrong, a cease fire in the city would be an appropriate symbolic response. However I doubt if the shooters could find Israel on a map, let alone Gaza. These shooters are stupid little animals, with guns. The rest of us are not safe. That this should happen in the same area as St. Catherine’s is shocking.
ReplyDelete