Studio8 - Uniting the Arts

The Goy Who Cried Wolf
By Sarah Posner, The American Prospect. Posted March 16, 2007.

Whether Hagee is good for Israel is beside the point. The real problem is that he represents a catastrophe for the United States and its standing in the world -- not because he might love the Jews too much, or might in fact secretly hate them, but because he is leading a growing political movement completely lacking in a substantive understanding of world affairs. At a time when the Middle East faces seemingly intractable conflicts with dire geopolitical consequences, the notion that Hagee -- whose status is only elevated by invitations like AIPAC's -- is leading a political movement based on nothing more than a supposedly literal reading of his Bible only reinforces the view that the United States is being led by messianic forces at odds with world peace and stability. Young Americans should have a deeper understanding of Middle East politics in order to fully participate in civic discourse as American troops are fighting a seemingly unending war. But Hagee worries not about troop deployments, instead focusing on teaching the Bible in public schools. While religious fundamentalism is causing untold bloodshed around the world, Hagee frets about secularists who are "destroying America."


When he does speak to actual Middle East politics, it's only to encourage the further destabilization of the region. Hagee has been agitating for a war with Iran for well over a year now, certainly not a single-handed effort on his part, nor one for which he would deserve sole blame should it happen. But if it does happen (and some think it already has begun), Hagee most certainly should be blamed for something else: convincing his minions that war is not only palatable, but required by God.

The rest of the story here
http://www.alternet.org/story/49230/

The Radical Christian Right Is Built on Suburban Despair

This despair crosses economic boundaries, of course, enveloping many in the middle class who live trapped in huge, soulless exurbs where, lacking any form of community rituals or centers, they also feel deeply isolated, vulnerable and lonely. Those in despair are the most easily manipulated by demagogues, who promise a fantastic utopia, whether it is a worker’s paradise, fraternite-egalite-liberte, or the second coming of Jesus Christ. Those in despair search desperately for a solution, the warm embrace of a community to replace the one they lost, a sense of purpose and meaning in life, the assurance they are protected, loved and worthwhile.

http://www.popmatters.com/pm/features/a ... n-despair/

Messianic Zionists Respond
07/24/07 Radioactivity: Live Call-In (Tuesday)
Listen to this entire show:
By Robert Lorei



We’ll hear a Christian Zionist response to last week’s interview with rev. Stephen Sizer- the Anglican minister who is warning of a dangerous alliance between conservatives in Israel and American believers in the end times….

Today we’ll hear from rabbi Steve Weiler. He’s a Messianic Rabbi with three congregations here in Central Florida. He’s asked for time to respond to last Tuesday’s interview with rev. Stephen Sizer, the Anglican vicar who is warning that what he calls “Christian Zionists” Christians who are strong supporters of Israel and the continued occupation of the Palestinian territories are trying to hasten the end of the world by engaging in an alliance with conservative Israelis. Also here is Steve Probst who is a member of Steve Weiler’s congregation and who also objected to the contents of the interview last Tuesday. http://www.wmnf.org/news_stories/show/4531

The Sykes-Picot agreement was a secret understanding concluded in May 1916, during World War I, between Great Britain and France, with the assent of Russia, for the dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire.
The agreement led to the division of Turkish-held Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine into various French and British-administered areas. The agreement took its name from its negotiators, Sir Mark Sykes of Britain and Georges Picot of France.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static ... maps/7.stm

Sykes, the Man who Created the Modern Middle East

Who Created the Problems in the Middle East?
Who is responsible for the problems in the Middle East that befuddle the brain (and have for a long time)?
http://blog.cognitivelabs.com/2007_04_2 ... chive.html

The idea of Zionism, of a National Home for the Jews in Palestine, was put into practical politics by a Roman Catholic Norfolk squire, Sir Mark Sykes, who had specialised in the Near East and had much influence with Balfour. Balfour took it up with enthusiasm. Milner agreed with it at once: much might be gained, he considered, and nothing could be lost by it. The War Cabinet discussed it. Palestine would be an important strategical point in the British Empire: it would be well to develop it after the war.
http://www.ourcivilisation.com/smartboa ... chap47.htm