GUEST, since you don't live here with us, you have no way of knowing how we direct our energies when we're not posting to the Mudcat. However, here in the Mudcat, I am just as critical of my own country's actions as I am of the actions of the government of Israel. My posting history has plenty of condemnations of the crimes against humanity committed by my own government.

In both cases, I have a responsibility to speak up. Against my own country, because I am a citizen here with voting rights and as a taxpayer. In the case of Israel, because Israel would not be able to commit the acts I criticize without the money given it by the US taxpayers, me included.

If you accept the premise of the author of the article that opens this thread, then you must accept the premise that I have not only a right to speak up, but a responsibility. Otherwise, I am complicit. You can't have it both ways.

Neither the US or Israel is acting in self defense. The US and Israel are both agressor countries. And I do condemn the practice of capitol punishment in any states of the US where it is practiced. Especially when it is practiced against minors and/or the mentally handicapped.