The tone of Bill’s essay today suggests that the Israeli treatment of the Gaza inhabitants is similar to the Nazi treatment of Jews in the Warsaw ghetto. The implied point is that the Jews are doing to Gaza what the Nazis did to the Jews in Warsaw. I disagree. The Nazi thugs barricaded all the Jews in the Warsaw ghetto and kept them there until they were sufficiently pacified and could be easily herded into rail cars for shipment into the killing camps. The Palestinians that live in Gaza that are not know Hamas members live somewhat-normal lives without conflict, without threats to their existence, and with no ultimate fate of dying in a gas chamber. They were not indiscriminately attacked and murdered if they left the ghetto.
The Gaza population is not the the stated enemy of the Jews. Hamas, which hides within the Gaza population, are the stated enemy of Jews. They hide amid the Gaza residences, and routinely use the Gaza population as shields against Israeli responses to aggression. Why the Gaza residents tolerate this exposure to peril is partially due to tolerance to the Hamas perspective and probably because they do not have the capability to eradicate the Hamas vermin from their midst.
However, whatever position one takes on who is more right in the Israeli-Hamas , there can be NO excuse or acceptance of the brutality of the Hamas raid on Israeli citizens. I am disappointed that Bill failed to make any statement on the brutality and murder we have seen in the news this past few days. At the same time, the Israeli military response will be brutal and well exploited by the left-wing media. I don’t believe the Israeli military will be beheading anyone, especially babies. They won’t be raping women and then murdering them and sending the videos of their crimes to the victims’ families. The Israeli military won’t be tying up civilians and setting them on fire. They won’t be taking hostages from the non-Hamas citizenry and using them as ransom for whatever reason. Bill, it would have been nice if you would have mentioned some part of this commentary while seemingly speaking against the Israelis.
Dan, I think you may find the beheading babies story has been debunked, or, at the very least is unproven. From bayoneting babies and raping nuns by the Germans in 1914 to Iraqi soldiers pulling babies out of incubators in the 1990's, both of which were almost certainly untrue, it would appear we haven't come a very long way.
Stated enemy or not there's a helluva lot of Palestinians who are probably about to become collateral damage - which I think is a colloquialism for being blown to bits - which will make them just as dead as all the Israeli and festival attendee victims.
Right and wrong?? It all gets a bit grey looking from my point of view, and if we want to radically increase the risk of all-out war, that really could potentially involve us, then flaming the fires seems like a good place to start.
I can accept your point that Gaza isn't as bad as, say, the Warsaw ghetto, but incarceration is still incarceration and I'm not sure that a lot of the residents are guilty of anything, while the place crawls with disenfranchised, job-less, angry young men, who are spoiling for a fight. It's a clusterf.... that we've all just swept under the carpet, hoping it'll go away
The brutality has not been debunked, if you watch the videos on social media and listen to first hand accounts of what took place, it is far worse. Do you understand they took infants as hostages? Do you understand they paraded unclothed women thru the streets? Do you understand the Israelis owe the Gazans nothing, and there is no reason to allow them into Israel? Do you understand that terrorists are being treated in Israeli hospitals? Hamas, whom Gaza voted for, and who threw followers of mahmoud Abbas, chairman of the Palestinian authority from tall buildings, has no interest in establishing a country. Their interest is in destroying Israel.
Would you let a rattlesnake live in your bed? No? Then just throw him outside, right? But he's lethal to touch and nobody outside wants him. Meanwhile, he's biting and killing your family, kids and neighbors.
Hmmm - what to do? I hear you COMPLETELY on the Love/Compassion/Empathy part. Unfortunately, the ones that wear the label "victim" in this case only want to see people like you and me DEAD. No negotiating, no compromise.
"while the place crawls with disenfranchised, job-less, angry young men,"
You talking about Gaza or our southern border, compliments of TraitorJoe and his miserable band of domestic enemy fascists/communists known as the modern dimocrat party?
Agree John, but what I don't understand is why haven't the Palestinians sent all of their angry young criminals to the United States, like every other country/territory in the world has done these past two years?
Guess they really are the dumbest humans in the region, as we needed any more proof after this invasion...
Probably because it's too hard to get out Steve - or at least it was until a couple of days ago, which in it self was a quite remarkable achievment (and I don't mean in a good way) given how elaborate the security around Gaza apparently is. Almost like someone "accidentally" left the gate to the bull pen open.
Also is anyone here aware that the current Israeli Gov't intends to pull down the 3rd most holy Muslim site in the world and replace it with their own Temple and they recently allowed (soldiers were on hand) the storming of said site by a large bunch of settlers? Fact check that one Trapped in a B S
Yes Johnny, Hegelian dialectic, or problem, reaction, solution. Been a human ploy since chess was created. Like I stated in the past, Mossad knows all, and not one thing gets past them. The life of their nation depends on it.
Many Jews beleive that the third temple needs to be rebuilt to usher in the Messiah, and many think it will be built in the last days of man. Some believe that our Christ Jesus will return for the end days...Who knows what is truth?, But one thing is certain, if Israel considers it, WWIII will follow...
'some what normal' ... hahahaha !! The Torah following Hebrews have aleays been sacrificial fodder to advance the Talmudic, Zionist Supremacy Ideology, through out their Ashkenazi-Khazarian-Turk existance . Do you only get your historical info, and/or data, via the (constantly bragged about, Zionist owned, and controlled) legacy, lamestream media. As 10% Joe frequently says ... 'Come on man' !!
Including the war in 1948 where Jews formed the state of Israel after British left the area. No rules that same year where Arab nations attacked the newly formed state of Israel.
No rules today either. It's war.
Some interesting facts, that I've learned listening to a lot of podcasts and reading whatever crosses my path.
There are 1.9 million Arabs living in the state of Israel, a country of about 10 million people. About 20% of the population.
There are zero (0) Jews living in Gaza.
In 2005, Israel forcibly removed all of its settlers from Gaza.
The goal of Israel is not to wipe anyone out. At least not anyone that doesn't rain rockets down on them.
The goal of the Palestinian state, was to try to co-exist with its neighbors. At least that was what the goal was before the Hamas, a right wing military group responsible for the latest conflict, got into political power in 2006.
Hamas's primary goal?
The ultimate destruction of the state of Israel.
Unfortunately, the Hamas are using the innocent people of the Gaza strip as human meat shields in the pursuit of their goal. Is that right or wrong?
Remember, there are no rules in war.
Just death and destruction.
Just remember to put your chips on the roulette square marked "Military Industrial Complex." You're sure to get a nice roll in your favor.
I agree one correction however, the Jews did not establish the state of Israel, the United Nations did after many of the uprooted and surviving jews of world were trying to leave Germany et al and nobody would take them. Abandoned and stranded in ships. "Israel" was a solution.. probably not the best one looking in the rear view mirror. From the frying pan into the fire so to speak.
Not to mention the Arab nations including the Jordanians and Egyptians (the now so-called “Palestinians”were Allies of the Nazi’s and losers in the war. Followed by another all out war on Israel which they again lost. Instead of killing them all (like any self respecting REAL Nazi’s would do) they have been attempting to coexist with Arabs trying to kill them ever since.
I totally agree with your comments. But don't give Bill an out. He does this all the time: when it comes to war, Bill becomes completely unhinged. He will ignore all sorts of facts just to make his point about the military-industrial complex. Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems to me the Jews had no way to leave the Warsaw ghetto, but doesn't Gaza border the Mediterranean Sea? If they really wanted to leave, couldn't they?
JP, Israel blockades the Gaza coast and enforces a 6 mile limit on any Palestinian boats leaving Gaza. Prior to the blockade, Hamas used speed boats to off-load ammo and explosives from Iranian and other ships out on the Med and haul it to Gaza to provision these periodic attacks on Israel. And another point, who would take in refugees from Gaza knowing that many there are pretty radical.
Dan, you summary of the Hamas/Israeli attacks hits the Nail on the head. Bill seemed to have completely overlooked the continuing conflicts and wars that have been brought against the Jews of the World for well over a millennium. Hamas, Hezbollah and many other Arab groups have been shelling Israel ever since the 1947 War. Nasser twice tried to wipe Israel off the map, now it is Iran, Lebanon, Syria and other Arab countries determined to destroy not only Israel but all Christians and Jews worldwide. Bill, do not
kid yourself, the war is coming to America via Iran and it will be Nuclear. Gif help us if that madman in North Korea joins in because they have the capability to send the ICBMs to America. Then although China has no territorial ambitions they could easily supply North Korea and Iran with enough firepower to take out country down. Yes, from my point of view, the radical Arab /Jew/Christian/America Haters that are running those Arab Countries do need to be taken out then the World might have a chance to stay safe from a Nuclear Holocaust. Reagan had the right idea with Libya and Gaddafi his swift action ended the terror from Gaddafi for good.
As always Altschule, we can’t change human nature by exterminating an opponent 🤔 because another one always comes along...and as history has shown, when we have no opponent left to attack, we attack our own...
It is inconceivable to me that Mr. Bonner compares the walls to keep Jews from escaping concentration camps where they were starved, frozen and left to die, to walls surrounding Gaza, where Israel provided electricity, food, water, and housing to assist an independent area outside their own country, an area which for over 20 years has proven to all that they are incapable of providing their own infrastructure. Gaza walls were created to protect the Jewish population from terrorist attacks to wipe the Jews off the face of the earth, and which were promised by Hamas daily. I am truly disgusted by the comparisons. And for your information, as opposed to what your column claims, Arabs ARE permitted to have not only Israeli citizenship but also voting rights. Furthermore, all people born to Jewish women are automatically given the rights to citizenship REGARDLESS of who the father is, including Arab fathers. Only those descended from non-Jewish mothers (ie those with Jewish fathers) are denied automatic citizenship. This is the definition of what a Jew is, under Jewish law, as written in the Bible, if you should ever care to read it. Your column is filled with flawed declarations and fuels the fire of hatred.
No Arab country will permit the entry of Gaza citizens- why is this? Could it be that the Arabs want to maintain a worldwide illusion that Palestinians are victims? Meanwhile Hamas places rockets around Gaza schools and hospitals, thus ensuring that citizens are killed if the rockets are taken out, thereby providing further fodder for victimhood. They couldn’t care less about their own citizens.
While I too have serious questions as to why Israeli security had been completely turned off for over 8 hours (I too question what the WEF “elites” are up to) and whether this bears any resemblance to the lack of government attention to the Lahaina fires, and why Israel forced a major poisoning of the Jewish population with their vax mandates and electronic “green” cards (which unvaxxed citizens have paid thousands of $ to get placed in their phones), and although I am wondering what the hell is going on in this world, I am discontinuing my subscription to this newsletter. I cannot read this hateful, flaw-filled pap any more.
Please, don't bail. Nobody's perfect. The idea here is exchange of ideas; Mr. Bonner is merely the one in charge of the seminar. Like all of us, he misses the boat occasionally. He's also right a lot. Best always. PM
When Bill is writing about financial matters, he does a pretty good job. However, his opinions whenever conflict or war is involved are mostly unhinged. He uses only the facts that support his arguments and ignores the rest - constantly. As I mentioned to Shoshana in my reply to her, Bill doesn't matter. I don't subscribe to BPR for Bill's opinions. The other writers are very good.
We have a fundamentally different approach to subscribing to BPR, but all that shows is the value in having differing opinions expressed here. I don't let Mr. Bonner, or anyone else, do my thinking for me, but I do very much appreciate other points of view, even if they differ from mine. I must admit, Mr. Bonner's "take" on this surprised the living bejesus out of me, but maybe he thought we needed to hear another opinion. (I don't know; I haven't spoken with him about it. haha) Best always. PM
Well, I agree except I wasn't surprised at all. When it comes to war and conflicts, something happens in his brain. Dr Jekyll, Mr. Hyde? I don't know. Or maybe he writes these things because he enjoys stirring up the "hornets' nest", and then enjoys reading our rebuttals refuting what he has to say. I can see him now saying to his wife: "Hey, listen to this one!"
I agree with Paul Murray...please do not discontinue your subscription. We should all appreciate the detailed, accurate information you have provided and hope you will continue to be part of this knowledge and opinion exchange.
I was going to write a reply to Shoshana. Then I thought I would give ChatGPT a try. I copied Bill's text into ChatGPT and asked it what Bill was trying to say. It wrote a beautiful reply, much better than I could have imagined. Here it is, unedited.
"Bill Bonner's missive presents a critical view of various geopolitical stances and actions, particularly those concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict. He draws parallels between historical events and current happenings, specifically comparing the treatment of Jews during WWII with the present-day situation in Gaza. He highlights the rhetoric used by political figures to dehumanize opponents, suggesting that such language and the hate it fosters are not only harmful but also manipulatively employed to maintain power structures and justify violence.
Bonner criticizes the tendency of countries, including the U.S., to engage in foreign conflicts under dubious pretenses. He points out the hypocrisy and moral ambiguity in the policies of nations that once suffered injustice but now may be perpetrating similar acts themselves. By highlighting the severe restrictions and conditions in Gaza, he draws attention to the cycle of oppression repeating throughout history.
Furthermore, Bonner discusses the concept of 'hate crimes' and how it is utilized differently within domestic versus international contexts. Domestically, it's used against groups that defy the status quo, while internationally, it's used to justify aggression against perceived enemies.
Overall, Bonner's message is a cautionary tale against the dangers of dehumanization, the cycle of hatred and violence, and the political manipulation of these elements to achieve power and control. He invites readers to reflect on history and consider the moral implications of current geopolitical actions."
This part is mine, Shoshana. War is hell. There are no rules in war. War = Money. Just ask the people that make the rockets and the artillery shells.
I for one am staying. I didn't sign up for Bill's take on politics. I came to learn how to keep as many $$ as I can through these crazy times.
The narrative that Bill weaves together, is simply bonus material. As are the comments that stem from them.
I’m with you Shoshana. At first I thought of drafting a point by point refutation of the offensive ignorance (or perhaps worse) in Bills comments. Frankly, I’m so gobsmacked and sickened by Bill I’m disinterested in making the effort. But I am on the verge of my first ever cancellation of a newsletter or publication. This crap is not “big picture” analysis. It’s one step removed from The Elders of Zion. Gross Bill! Stupid, gross and offensive.
I agree with just about everything you wrote above, ok, except for a couple of details in the last paragraph. I hope Mr. Bonner will read and respond to you. However, I doubt it. I've only been a member for less than a year but don't recall ever seeing a response by him to the comments section.
He seems to be applying Israeli characterizations of Hamas to the Palestinians, the people they were responsible for, the people they are supposed to protect.
I've considered cancelling my membership as well. But I'll wait to see how many more of these obnoxious postings I can take.
I've been around going on 4 years and can't recall a direct response from BB to anything. Not disputing that it happens - i just haven't seen it I don't think.
There is value in being able to put out an opinion that people pay you to read, but not be required to respond in anyway, either to defend or further try to convince. That has GOT to skew the writer's opinion(s). I'll leave it to y'all to decide if that influence on the writing is a good or a bad thing...
Thank you for your comment. It saves me a lot of time in rebuttal to Bill's lopsided and dishonest column. As you wrote, to compare the Warsaw ghetto to the Gaza Strip is absurd. You covered most of it, but did Bill not notice that Gaza borders the Mediterranean Sea? They can leave and resettle somewhere else whenever they want. Not so with Warsaw. Bill is against the military-industrial complex, he hates war (who doesn't except the terrorists), and therefore goes on these unhinged binges to justify his perspective. Bill's bizarre musings are not the real reason to have a subscription. Bill is just a figurehead and is inconsequential to the financial advice BPR provides. However, I am surprised Joel lent his comments to Bill's insanity.
It's only dishonest if Mr. Bonner doesn't believe what he wrote. Ill-advised? Ill-timed? Inappropriate? Wrong? Offensive? Those are all up for discussion. I would also point out that Mr. Bonner assembled the Bonner team, pays them, and gives them this particular forum, and he is therefore, consequential (in my view) to all advice, financial or otherwise, provided here.
As I've said elsewhere, I tend to agree with Bill when he writes about general financial matters. When he writes about war and conflicts, I believe he becomes unhinged. I think he and his team are probably pretty much on the same page financially and that he gives them a free range - mostly. Although, I expect they discuss the advice they give as a group. My point is that I don't think Bill comes up with the investment ideas.
I agree with michael. I cringed after reading the first few The sentences of bill's post. Generally there's a good bit of a reality, but this one was really off. We need good carbon rods to regulate our reactor.
I posted a couple of serious questions a few days ago: Why won't ANY Shia Muslim Arab country take in the Palestinians? How can they exist like this, isolated and blockaded? Do they want to stay in striking distance of their enemy? Before the blowback begins, understand I am definitely NOT shilling for the Palestinians. I'm just trying to better understand.
Brian, have you witnessed the common American democrat lately? They are similar in almost all their behavior, except here in the states, they get away with murder...
Yes sweet Dorothy, the truth is the truth, no matter what You want to beleive...This just in the news today...
“Zombie Cities”: 10 Major U.S. Cities That Are Shrinking at an Alarming Rate"
Yes Dorothy, all Democrat controlled rat nest, consisting mainly of Anti American, illegal, drug addicted, mentally ill humans, and mostly rats, because everyone and anything good in those cities are leaving and only the true "Palestinian" zombies will be left.
Also read that during withdrawal, the Israelis left intact buildings and greenhouses so that the Palestinians could jumpstart an economy. All were ransacked, destroyed, and stripped of copper piping. Is there any hope after something like that?
Yes, someone bought the greenhouses to start the Gazans on the right foot. Over 1,000 acres of greenhouses! The Gazans destroyed them on the first day.
Brief synopsis from wikipedia entry : "The majority of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which contains eight refugee camps, are descendants of refugees who fled or were expelled from the area that became Israel after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War."
There are a number in Jordan. But they don't "belong" there, and were originally from the area known as Palestine, now known as Israel.
Since the Palestinians are Sunni, the question is even more appropriate. There are many very rich Sunni countries starting with Saudi Arabia.
There's been much discussion that the reason Iran and Hamas took this decision is because of the progress being made toward the normalization of diplomatic relations between Saudi and Israel. In fact, Saudi Arabia had planned to have an AI conference IN TEL AVIV in the near future. But that has been cancelled due to the war, which is understandable. But it brings home the point.
I recall Saudi Arabia had made public comments about helping to resolve the Palestinian issue. That was unacceptable to Iran. And so, here we are.
The Arabs are not monolithic. The known hatred between Shia and Sunni is just the greatest difference. They look out for their clans. The formation of Arab countries were forced upon them by European empires. (You can tell whenever the border is a straight line. Someone far away drew those on a map with no knowledge of the topography or political associations between clans.)
There were many Arab Christians, but I think they have all left Gaza. I I am guessing that if the inhabitants of Gaza wanted to leave, they could figure out a way to do so. I have read that there are "Palestinians" in Jordan.
There are many Palestinians who want to leave. Many hate Hamas as much as Israelis. Perhaps more so. Hamas doesn’t protect its civilians. No, they use them as human shields.
I'm sure that is true. Erick Erickson today pointed out that the leaders of Hamas do not live in Gaza. They have siphoned out billions from aid money, and they live in Doha, Qutar, bcse that regime is jihad-friendly.
I too subscribe to Erick. There are 2 million people in Gaza. Only a fraction are members of Hamas. However, the population did select Hamas to rule over Gaza. It's telling that the leaders live in Doha. There's little chance of getting shot by the IDF there.
Trans-Jordan, now Jordan is where the original dispocessed Palestinians were sent to, or fled to, when the zionist terrorist gangs (Stern and Irgun) were trying to drive the Palis, and British out of the contested former Ottoman Empire's territory.
850,000 Jews, in thriving communities, were forced out of Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Yemen. Refugees. Many had to leave by unofficial means, leaving everything behind. Israel accepted them.
What makes it more confusing is Hamas is Sunni while their benefactors in Iran are Shia. It seems to be one of the few instances of cooperation between the two sects. That said, I seem to recall that the phrase "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" originated in the Middle East.
Mark, that leaves us in a bit of a quandary, but your comment is spot-on. On another note, I heard that the Israeli / Saudi negotiations may have revolved around the Saudis acquiring a nuke (from us, of course) to level the playing field vs Iran. This seems more than crazy to me. Would the Saudis be trusted not to use it against Israel? After all, they side with the Palestinians most times, but have shown some restraint here..
Over the years, a Palestinian state has been offered to the Palestinians. Yasir Arafat specifically rejected it. The Palestinian ideology is that the only solution is the complete driving out of the Jews, and preferably their extermination.
I have read the Koran, especially the passages relating to the Jews. Much of the conflict is centuries old, and it is religiously based.
Without taking into acct the promises to the Jews in Genesis and the commands and history of Mohammad, any analysis is inadequate. By the way, there ARE Arabs who are citizens of the state of Israel.
Saw a 60 Minutes interview with Arafat several lifetimes ago, after he had a stroke. He vehemently denied they were offered a state. There was another 60 Minutes segment with Ed Bradley interviewing several Israelis. He asked them about the Palestinians, they all said, 'they should just leave, God gave us this land.' Ed Bradley was perplexed at the responses he got. The Palestinians interviewed stated that the Israelis treat them like dogs.
The Palestinians and Israelis are in a blood feud, like the Hatfields and McCoys. Only God can put an end to it - and He will.
All true, Gone Fishin'. But it is still true that Arafat refused a Palestinian state. It is also true that the Gaza Strip has not satisfied the Palestinians. Iran is their ally and puts out the Complete Destruction of Israel propaganda.
Mary, can you explain how and/or why, have Hebrews adherants to precepts of the Torah (not the Ashkanazi-Khazarian-Turk, zionists = j3ws [followers, of Talmud, Kabbala, and Zohar]) have peacefully lived in Iran for centuries ?? Inquiring minds want to know ... Asking for a friend .
That's true, but hardly anyone in the US knows it. In WWII, the Jews in France(?) wanted passage to the US. The US refused. So Iran smuggled them out of France to Iran, where their descendants still live. I have read they even serve in Parliament. Iran opposed 'political Zionism,' not Jews. There are some Jewish sects that also oppose political Zionism, AKA, Jews with Nukes.
There were Jewish groups that supported the revolution in 1979.
And while the relationship between Jews and the Shia in Iran has some strain basically Iran's leadership differentiates between Judaism and Zionism. They tolerate the former but not the latter. Being a Zionist can get you killed.
One last point. In 1979 there were about 100,000 jews in Iran. In 2021 the number was estimated to be about 8,500. Voting with your feet is the ultimate statement.
C Eti, I don't know enough to answer your question. Also on Substack is Erick Erickson. I subscribe to his daily letter, which doesn't cost much. He has a very good column today about all this.
I know everyone's heard that Israel is the only democracy in the middle east. But -
Israel was a desert not long ago. First accounts write there were no birds, bc there was nothing for them to eat. Israel is a modern country, thriving economy, universities, hospitals, and a world leader in technology. They built a modern country from scratch, with no resources like oil. Your cell phone, laptop, and medical technology all use technology from Israel.
Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Saudia Arabia, had a lot more going for them. Any of them could have opened research centers to benefit the world. But they don't. What has Saudia Arabia built with their oil money? World class universities? Hospitals? Only UAE has placed economics above ideology and hate.
Mr. Bonner has the full right to dislike Israel or any other state/people of his choice. However when he dares to compare the situation in Gaza with that in the Warsaw ghetto under the Nazi yoke he crosses a line between what is permissible and what isn't. It is indeed obscene. Bill is already on the record for having called Hitler "a great man" and now in his comment he is showing his venom against Israel and, indeed, one would suspect, against the Jews in general. In the best case he is misinformed. The fence around Gaza was built primarily to protect the Israeli inhabitants in the nearby areas from attacks of jihadist terrorists. Israel supplies, at least in part, the water and the electricity that Gaza so desperately needs. That Gaza, which is Judenfrei since Israel's total withdrawal in 2005, lacks adequate infrastructures is not because of a shortage of financial aid from abroad but primarily because Hamas, the ruling power, consistently refuses the conditions set by the Quartet (Usa, Russia, Uno, Eu) in 2002 for a negotiated solution of the conflict with Israel. Indeed, I would suggest Mr. Bonner to read the Hamas covenant (https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp). It would help him realize that this jihadist organization, offspring of the Moslem Brotherhood, is not interested in peace or in the welfare of the Palestinian population of Gaza, but in one thing only: the destruction of the Jewish state in a land that it considers part of the Islamic Waqf, which also includes "any lands the Moslems have conquered by force" (Art.11). Thus, also Andalusia in Spain and Sicily in Italy are lands to be "redeemed" at the appropriate time. And Mr. Bonner is mistaken if he thinks that Hamas hatred is aimed against the Jews only. He should ask the few Christians still living in Gaza how they really feel under Hamas rule. But he should ask them only after they have left the strip. Meanwhile he should ask members of Christian minorities who have fled Arab countries how they really felt living there under Moslem rule. I would submit that the conflict in the so called Holy Land has a religious dimension that seems to be alien to the secular Western way of thinking. I have often admired Mr. Bonner wide knowledge of history as well as his wisdom in economic matters. It is regrettable that the same cannot be said about Mr. Bonner knowledge of the Middle East reality. Giorgio Raccah (Israel)
Did he actually say Hitler was a great man? Do you have any evidence of this statement? As you likely know Hitler and the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem were friends and plotted together to extend the final solution to the Palestinian Mandate. Please advise.
In answer to your question. See American Values Revisited, June 13, 2023. This is the phrase that drew my reaction: "Typically, world improvers are clever people. They are good salesmen, good at selling themselves and getting other people to do what they want them to do. Hitler practiced his gestures in front of a mirror. Napoleon let his actions – at the front of an army – speak for him, proving to the French that they were unstoppable as long as the Corsican was in charge. The two great men, separated by 130 years, were each able to unite Europe, by force…and re-model society, for a while. Bonaparte remained at the top for 10 years. The Third Reich lasted 12".
I’ve read the article. If you read the next post from June 14 it’s apparent that he was being sarcastic in relation to the word “great”. He’s pretty dry so I don’t think he was celebrating Hitler or Napoleon. He’s opposed to war. But sometimes, war is unavoidable. Fighting terror in general and Hamas in particular is not an elective war for Israel. He’s also unsympathetic at least where innocent Israelis are concerned.
Palestine has never existed as a nation in history. As I recall, “Palestinians” were originally exported from Jordan to serve as an Islamic group to help encircle Israel with Islamic enemies bent on destroying Israel, not coexisting with Israel. Given repeated opportunities for their own nation coexisting with Israel, Palestinian leadership has refused every time, preferring to harm their own people in order to keep trying to destroy Israel. There can be no compromise with these agents of Satan, especially when these terrorists refuse to compromise and coexist. The “walls” were erected to help keep these terrorists out Israel, and the welfare of the Palestinian people depends on their leadership’s willingness to end the terrorism and live in peace (as many Arabs living in Israel do).
If push came to shove, 'ol Skanky McCankles wouldn't really want to "deprogram" or "re-educate" any of the Deplorables. Her and her ilk would much rather just choose the expedient method of decapitation. Don't doubt it - they HATE us and see us as nothing but inhuman obstacles...
But we know by the truth on how we act as humans, and how they act...it's just difficult when they have a corrupt media promoting their insanity like it's American...
SE: NO...that's you Mr. Clueless. Also, your MEGA republicans are doing nothing to help our country. They want Donald back! Unbelievable. Let's hope Jim Jordan, GOP, Republican doesn't get House Speaker. He's almost as bad as Trump. By the way, Jordan was in on the Jan 6 debacle.
“When peace comes we will perhaps in time be able to forgive the Arabs for killing our sons, but it will be harder for us to forgive them for having forced us to kill their sons. Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us.” Golda Meir 🤔
Bill has some confusion about right and wrong. Bill is above all that. He likes to stir the pot and watch the little people get upset. It's entertaining. While most of us have to live in the world among other people, Bill can retreat to a remote area in the Andes or a castle in Ireland or wherever he's looking down from lofty heights at the rest of humanity. Dealing with other humans is a pain.
Yes, there's a war industry. Yes, it's immoral. Yes, there are contradictions and hypocrisy. Yes, things are hopeless, but we need to make them better. But you either know your history or you don't. Well some Orthodox Jews spit on some Christians, so we don't care if they get their heads chopped off. 1+1 =2, so we're done here. Pretty nifty. Hey Bill, did you know they spit on Jews too if they aren't Orthodox? We don't chop their babies' heads off. We don't shoot their unarmed elderly and rape them and film it with a leer on our faces.
If you can't tell right from wrong and you twist history, anything is possible.
Speak to the millions of Christians that visit Israel each year and ask if they feel threatened. All religious sites in Israel are treated with respect: Jewish, Moslem, Christian, and others. They are protected by the government. While Jews may not live in areas under Palestinian rule, Christians have been leaving Palestinian areas because of persecution.
When you stray from your supposed expertise, politics get in your way. Having wars is timeless and endless. It’s the human condition. Our involvement as a hegemon and questioning that involvement is one thing.
But to suggest moral equivalence is hubris beyond your pay grade.
In 2005, Israel disengaged from Gaza Strip. They forcibly moved 9,000 Israeli residents from their homes, and dismantled thriving communities. Israel dropped its claim to the Gaza Strip and left the Gaza strip to its residents - Palestinians. The idea was for Palestinians to take responsibility for their own governance, to run their region themselves. THE GAZA STRIP IS CURRENTLY NOT PART OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL.
Until this week, Israel supplied the Gaza Strip with utilities, such as electricity. Hundreds of trucks deliver goods to the Strip (I think upwards of 500 every day). The Israeli driver brings the container to the border crossing, decouples, and a Palestinian driver connects to the container and drives it into the Strip. Palestinians from Gaza are allowed into Israel to work.
The Warsaw Ghetto was part of Poland. It is not a separate region like Gaza is to Israel. Jewish citizens of Poland were removed from their homes and forced into the ghetto. Gazans are not citizens of Israel, they don't live in Israel. Israel is under no obligation to allow them in.
It is beyond belief that someone as knowledgeable in history as Bill does not get this distinction. And that Joel implies that there is no economic relationship between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
Here in the states we have the same issue with mentally deranged scum that constantly bite the hands that feed them. When will we humans learn that some cannot be helped by kindness?
Mr. Bonner has finally crossed the line, to equate Gaza with the Warsaw ghetto is beyond reason, The wall separating Gaza from Israel was not designed to keep people in but to keep them OUT. When Gazans got out they killed Jews. If Mr.Bonner does not understand this he either is ignorant or has a definite bias against Israel. May I remind Mr. Bonner that Israel gave Gaza full independence and rather than they choosing to building a country they choose to build a military base.
I also would like to hear about the rich men North of Moscow and Tehran
What does an attack by Hamas on Israel have to do with us? The answer to this question is so patently obvious that Bill Bonner, whose libertarian, anarcho-capitalist views generally coincide with mine, must be playing around. If I've heard the chant "Death to Israel! Death to America!" once I've heard it a thousand times. Rightly or wrongly, appropriately or inappropriately, fortunately or unfortunately, traditional-values America has been forever, inseparably and indelibly, linked with Israel in the minds of the "Palestinians". (Please to recall that Jews are also "Palestinians"; in fact, they are the original "Palestinians" in that the Abrahamic spin-off known as Islam was a Johnny-come-lately in both culture and religious doctrine, by thousands of years.) When these Palestinian zealots scream "Death!" they mean it. It doesn't take much to understand that in their minds, their wishes of death for Israel apply directly and immediately to us. 9/11/2001, anybody?
Is my statement meant to imply that one side is completely wrong and the other lily-white? NO. Such is never the case. Still, it is known that these religious zealots, the emissaries of peace, harmony, and love, are as often as each others' throats, as they are at the Jews' or ours. My solution? Move the entire state of Israel to Arizona and/or Nevada, thereby ensuring the safety of Israel, the Palestinian Jews, and the USA, and let the Islamic whackos kill each other. Bet always. PM
Sad too that, taken together, as much if not more wanton murder and injury occurs daily in the rest of the countries on this planet
Nightly news and morning newspapers in every city are replete with stories of all manner of harm that members of our species render to each other including the defenseless young and the very elderly
Gaza is not a ghetto though is it as the Arabs could go to Egypt, with which it has a border, or be invited to live in any other Arab country. How can Israelis live according to a “one state” solution when the Islamic ideology mandates the extermination of the Jews?
What is interesting is the example that Israel sets as one of the dwindling (albeit struggling) number of nation states in the world.
The tone of Bill’s essay today suggests that the Israeli treatment of the Gaza inhabitants is similar to the Nazi treatment of Jews in the Warsaw ghetto. The implied point is that the Jews are doing to Gaza what the Nazis did to the Jews in Warsaw. I disagree. The Nazi thugs barricaded all the Jews in the Warsaw ghetto and kept them there until they were sufficiently pacified and could be easily herded into rail cars for shipment into the killing camps. The Palestinians that live in Gaza that are not know Hamas members live somewhat-normal lives without conflict, without threats to their existence, and with no ultimate fate of dying in a gas chamber. They were not indiscriminately attacked and murdered if they left the ghetto.
The Gaza population is not the the stated enemy of the Jews. Hamas, which hides within the Gaza population, are the stated enemy of Jews. They hide amid the Gaza residences, and routinely use the Gaza population as shields against Israeli responses to aggression. Why the Gaza residents tolerate this exposure to peril is partially due to tolerance to the Hamas perspective and probably because they do not have the capability to eradicate the Hamas vermin from their midst.
However, whatever position one takes on who is more right in the Israeli-Hamas , there can be NO excuse or acceptance of the brutality of the Hamas raid on Israeli citizens. I am disappointed that Bill failed to make any statement on the brutality and murder we have seen in the news this past few days. At the same time, the Israeli military response will be brutal and well exploited by the left-wing media. I don’t believe the Israeli military will be beheading anyone, especially babies. They won’t be raping women and then murdering them and sending the videos of their crimes to the victims’ families. The Israeli military won’t be tying up civilians and setting them on fire. They won’t be taking hostages from the non-Hamas citizenry and using them as ransom for whatever reason. Bill, it would have been nice if you would have mentioned some part of this commentary while seemingly speaking against the Israelis.
Dan, I think you may find the beheading babies story has been debunked, or, at the very least is unproven. From bayoneting babies and raping nuns by the Germans in 1914 to Iraqi soldiers pulling babies out of incubators in the 1990's, both of which were almost certainly untrue, it would appear we haven't come a very long way.
Stated enemy or not there's a helluva lot of Palestinians who are probably about to become collateral damage - which I think is a colloquialism for being blown to bits - which will make them just as dead as all the Israeli and festival attendee victims.
Right and wrong?? It all gets a bit grey looking from my point of view, and if we want to radically increase the risk of all-out war, that really could potentially involve us, then flaming the fires seems like a good place to start.
I can accept your point that Gaza isn't as bad as, say, the Warsaw ghetto, but incarceration is still incarceration and I'm not sure that a lot of the residents are guilty of anything, while the place crawls with disenfranchised, job-less, angry young men, who are spoiling for a fight. It's a clusterf.... that we've all just swept under the carpet, hoping it'll go away
The brutality has not been debunked, if you watch the videos on social media and listen to first hand accounts of what took place, it is far worse. Do you understand they took infants as hostages? Do you understand they paraded unclothed women thru the streets? Do you understand the Israelis owe the Gazans nothing, and there is no reason to allow them into Israel? Do you understand that terrorists are being treated in Israeli hospitals? Hamas, whom Gaza voted for, and who threw followers of mahmoud Abbas, chairman of the Palestinian authority from tall buildings, has no interest in establishing a country. Their interest is in destroying Israel.
Hey there Altschule -
Would you let a rattlesnake live in your bed? No? Then just throw him outside, right? But he's lethal to touch and nobody outside wants him. Meanwhile, he's biting and killing your family, kids and neighbors.
Hmmm - what to do? I hear you COMPLETELY on the Love/Compassion/Empathy part. Unfortunately, the ones that wear the label "victim" in this case only want to see people like you and me DEAD. No negotiating, no compromise.
So again - what to do?
That's really all any of us can do my friend...
"while the place crawls with disenfranchised, job-less, angry young men,"
You talking about Gaza or our southern border, compliments of TraitorJoe and his miserable band of domestic enemy fascists/communists known as the modern dimocrat party?
Agree John, but what I don't understand is why haven't the Palestinians sent all of their angry young criminals to the United States, like every other country/territory in the world has done these past two years?
Guess they really are the dumbest humans in the region, as we needed any more proof after this invasion...
Probably because it's too hard to get out Steve - or at least it was until a couple of days ago, which in it self was a quite remarkable achievment (and I don't mean in a good way) given how elaborate the security around Gaza apparently is. Almost like someone "accidentally" left the gate to the bull pen open.
Also is anyone here aware that the current Israeli Gov't intends to pull down the 3rd most holy Muslim site in the world and replace it with their own Temple and they recently allowed (soldiers were on hand) the storming of said site by a large bunch of settlers? Fact check that one Trapped in a B S
Yes Johnny, Hegelian dialectic, or problem, reaction, solution. Been a human ploy since chess was created. Like I stated in the past, Mossad knows all, and not one thing gets past them. The life of their nation depends on it.
Many Jews beleive that the third temple needs to be rebuilt to usher in the Messiah, and many think it will be built in the last days of man. Some believe that our Christ Jesus will return for the end days...Who knows what is truth?, But one thing is certain, if Israel considers it, WWIII will follow...
Maybe not the dumbest brother Steve.
Could be a case of Cartel Dreams on a Sand Dune Budget...
'some what normal' ... hahahaha !! The Torah following Hebrews have aleays been sacrificial fodder to advance the Talmudic, Zionist Supremacy Ideology, through out their Ashkenazi-Khazarian-Turk existance . Do you only get your historical info, and/or data, via the (constantly bragged about, Zionist owned, and controlled) legacy, lamestream media. As 10% Joe frequently says ... 'Come on man' !!
There are no rules in war.
Including the war in 1948 where Jews formed the state of Israel after British left the area. No rules that same year where Arab nations attacked the newly formed state of Israel.
No rules today either. It's war.
Some interesting facts, that I've learned listening to a lot of podcasts and reading whatever crosses my path.
There are 1.9 million Arabs living in the state of Israel, a country of about 10 million people. About 20% of the population.
There are zero (0) Jews living in Gaza.
In 2005, Israel forcibly removed all of its settlers from Gaza.
The goal of Israel is not to wipe anyone out. At least not anyone that doesn't rain rockets down on them.
The goal of the Palestinian state, was to try to co-exist with its neighbors. At least that was what the goal was before the Hamas, a right wing military group responsible for the latest conflict, got into political power in 2006.
Hamas's primary goal?
The ultimate destruction of the state of Israel.
Unfortunately, the Hamas are using the innocent people of the Gaza strip as human meat shields in the pursuit of their goal. Is that right or wrong?
Remember, there are no rules in war.
Just death and destruction.
Just remember to put your chips on the roulette square marked "Military Industrial Complex." You're sure to get a nice roll in your favor.
I agree one correction however, the Jews did not establish the state of Israel, the United Nations did after many of the uprooted and surviving jews of world were trying to leave Germany et al and nobody would take them. Abandoned and stranded in ships. "Israel" was a solution.. probably not the best one looking in the rear view mirror. From the frying pan into the fire so to speak.
Hi Bill -
Hmmmm. I think the location was a bit pre-Ordained...
Should have offered them Minnesota, or Suffolk maybe - but I think the Palestinians who lived in the region at the time were a softer target.
Not to mention the Arab nations including the Jordanians and Egyptians (the now so-called “Palestinians”were Allies of the Nazi’s and losers in the war. Followed by another all out war on Israel which they again lost. Instead of killing them all (like any self respecting REAL Nazi’s would do) they have been attempting to coexist with Arabs trying to kill them ever since.
You're right, the Israelis won't do that. The optics would be bad.
I totally agree with your comments. But don't give Bill an out. He does this all the time: when it comes to war, Bill becomes completely unhinged. He will ignore all sorts of facts just to make his point about the military-industrial complex. Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems to me the Jews had no way to leave the Warsaw ghetto, but doesn't Gaza border the Mediterranean Sea? If they really wanted to leave, couldn't they?
JP, Israel blockades the Gaza coast and enforces a 6 mile limit on any Palestinian boats leaving Gaza. Prior to the blockade, Hamas used speed boats to off-load ammo and explosives from Iranian and other ships out on the Med and haul it to Gaza to provision these periodic attacks on Israel. And another point, who would take in refugees from Gaza knowing that many there are pretty radical.
Thanks. Your comment makes a lot of sense. But, of course, comparing Gaza with Warsaw is ludicrous.
Jim. It appears we would.
Dan, you summary of the Hamas/Israeli attacks hits the Nail on the head. Bill seemed to have completely overlooked the continuing conflicts and wars that have been brought against the Jews of the World for well over a millennium. Hamas, Hezbollah and many other Arab groups have been shelling Israel ever since the 1947 War. Nasser twice tried to wipe Israel off the map, now it is Iran, Lebanon, Syria and other Arab countries determined to destroy not only Israel but all Christians and Jews worldwide. Bill, do not
kid yourself, the war is coming to America via Iran and it will be Nuclear. Gif help us if that madman in North Korea joins in because they have the capability to send the ICBMs to America. Then although China has no territorial ambitions they could easily supply North Korea and Iran with enough firepower to take out country down. Yes, from my point of view, the radical Arab /Jew/Christian/America Haters that are running those Arab Countries do need to be taken out then the World might have a chance to stay safe from a Nuclear Holocaust. Reagan had the right idea with Libya and Gaddafi his swift action ended the terror from Gaddafi for good.
As always Altschule, we can’t change human nature by exterminating an opponent 🤔 because another one always comes along...and as history has shown, when we have no opponent left to attack, we attack our own...
It is inconceivable to me that Mr. Bonner compares the walls to keep Jews from escaping concentration camps where they were starved, frozen and left to die, to walls surrounding Gaza, where Israel provided electricity, food, water, and housing to assist an independent area outside their own country, an area which for over 20 years has proven to all that they are incapable of providing their own infrastructure. Gaza walls were created to protect the Jewish population from terrorist attacks to wipe the Jews off the face of the earth, and which were promised by Hamas daily. I am truly disgusted by the comparisons. And for your information, as opposed to what your column claims, Arabs ARE permitted to have not only Israeli citizenship but also voting rights. Furthermore, all people born to Jewish women are automatically given the rights to citizenship REGARDLESS of who the father is, including Arab fathers. Only those descended from non-Jewish mothers (ie those with Jewish fathers) are denied automatic citizenship. This is the definition of what a Jew is, under Jewish law, as written in the Bible, if you should ever care to read it. Your column is filled with flawed declarations and fuels the fire of hatred.
No Arab country will permit the entry of Gaza citizens- why is this? Could it be that the Arabs want to maintain a worldwide illusion that Palestinians are victims? Meanwhile Hamas places rockets around Gaza schools and hospitals, thus ensuring that citizens are killed if the rockets are taken out, thereby providing further fodder for victimhood. They couldn’t care less about their own citizens.
While I too have serious questions as to why Israeli security had been completely turned off for over 8 hours (I too question what the WEF “elites” are up to) and whether this bears any resemblance to the lack of government attention to the Lahaina fires, and why Israel forced a major poisoning of the Jewish population with their vax mandates and electronic “green” cards (which unvaxxed citizens have paid thousands of $ to get placed in their phones), and although I am wondering what the hell is going on in this world, I am discontinuing my subscription to this newsletter. I cannot read this hateful, flaw-filled pap any more.
Please, don't bail. Nobody's perfect. The idea here is exchange of ideas; Mr. Bonner is merely the one in charge of the seminar. Like all of us, he misses the boat occasionally. He's also right a lot. Best always. PM
When Bill is writing about financial matters, he does a pretty good job. However, his opinions whenever conflict or war is involved are mostly unhinged. He uses only the facts that support his arguments and ignores the rest - constantly. As I mentioned to Shoshana in my reply to her, Bill doesn't matter. I don't subscribe to BPR for Bill's opinions. The other writers are very good.
We have a fundamentally different approach to subscribing to BPR, but all that shows is the value in having differing opinions expressed here. I don't let Mr. Bonner, or anyone else, do my thinking for me, but I do very much appreciate other points of view, even if they differ from mine. I must admit, Mr. Bonner's "take" on this surprised the living bejesus out of me, but maybe he thought we needed to hear another opinion. (I don't know; I haven't spoken with him about it. haha) Best always. PM
Well, I agree except I wasn't surprised at all. When it comes to war and conflicts, something happens in his brain. Dr Jekyll, Mr. Hyde? I don't know. Or maybe he writes these things because he enjoys stirring up the "hornets' nest", and then enjoys reading our rebuttals refuting what he has to say. I can see him now saying to his wife: "Hey, listen to this one!"
LOL
As (undoubtedly), she knowingly shakes her head and listens.
Forty+ years as a sounding board to daily missives is a LONG time...
Shoshana,
I agree with Paul Murray...please do not discontinue your subscription. We should all appreciate the detailed, accurate information you have provided and hope you will continue to be part of this knowledge and opinion exchange.
I was going to write a reply to Shoshana. Then I thought I would give ChatGPT a try. I copied Bill's text into ChatGPT and asked it what Bill was trying to say. It wrote a beautiful reply, much better than I could have imagined. Here it is, unedited.
"Bill Bonner's missive presents a critical view of various geopolitical stances and actions, particularly those concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict. He draws parallels between historical events and current happenings, specifically comparing the treatment of Jews during WWII with the present-day situation in Gaza. He highlights the rhetoric used by political figures to dehumanize opponents, suggesting that such language and the hate it fosters are not only harmful but also manipulatively employed to maintain power structures and justify violence.
Bonner criticizes the tendency of countries, including the U.S., to engage in foreign conflicts under dubious pretenses. He points out the hypocrisy and moral ambiguity in the policies of nations that once suffered injustice but now may be perpetrating similar acts themselves. By highlighting the severe restrictions and conditions in Gaza, he draws attention to the cycle of oppression repeating throughout history.
Furthermore, Bonner discusses the concept of 'hate crimes' and how it is utilized differently within domestic versus international contexts. Domestically, it's used against groups that defy the status quo, while internationally, it's used to justify aggression against perceived enemies.
Overall, Bonner's message is a cautionary tale against the dangers of dehumanization, the cycle of hatred and violence, and the political manipulation of these elements to achieve power and control. He invites readers to reflect on history and consider the moral implications of current geopolitical actions."
This part is mine, Shoshana. War is hell. There are no rules in war. War = Money. Just ask the people that make the rockets and the artillery shells.
I for one am staying. I didn't sign up for Bill's take on politics. I came to learn how to keep as many $$ as I can through these crazy times.
The narrative that Bill weaves together, is simply bonus material. As are the comments that stem from them.
Wow, ChatGPT did pretty well!
Cuts the emotions out. Calls it like it sees it.
I would just call it good programming.
ChatGPT seemingly comprehended Bill's words better than many of the meat puppets here.
Just sayin'...
I’m with you Shoshana. At first I thought of drafting a point by point refutation of the offensive ignorance (or perhaps worse) in Bills comments. Frankly, I’m so gobsmacked and sickened by Bill I’m disinterested in making the effort. But I am on the verge of my first ever cancellation of a newsletter or publication. This crap is not “big picture” analysis. It’s one step removed from The Elders of Zion. Gross Bill! Stupid, gross and offensive.
My heart and mind are in harmonious balance and complete agreement with my emotions on this topic.
I agree with just about everything you wrote above, ok, except for a couple of details in the last paragraph. I hope Mr. Bonner will read and respond to you. However, I doubt it. I've only been a member for less than a year but don't recall ever seeing a response by him to the comments section.
He seems to be applying Israeli characterizations of Hamas to the Palestinians, the people they were responsible for, the people they are supposed to protect.
I've considered cancelling my membership as well. But I'll wait to see how many more of these obnoxious postings I can take.
Mr. Bonner has responded to comments people made, at least three or four times in the last year or so.
I have to admit to not reading every comment on every posting. I'll wait patiently.
Hey Alt -
I've been around going on 4 years and can't recall a direct response from BB to anything. Not disputing that it happens - i just haven't seen it I don't think.
There is value in being able to put out an opinion that people pay you to read, but not be required to respond in anyway, either to defend or further try to convince. That has GOT to skew the writer's opinion(s). I'll leave it to y'all to decide if that influence on the writing is a good or a bad thing...
He once even responded to a readers comment, which he printed. Wasn't that long ago, either, maybe a month.
Thanks Alex. I'll keep an eye out going forward...
Shoshana,
Thank you for your comment. It saves me a lot of time in rebuttal to Bill's lopsided and dishonest column. As you wrote, to compare the Warsaw ghetto to the Gaza Strip is absurd. You covered most of it, but did Bill not notice that Gaza borders the Mediterranean Sea? They can leave and resettle somewhere else whenever they want. Not so with Warsaw. Bill is against the military-industrial complex, he hates war (who doesn't except the terrorists), and therefore goes on these unhinged binges to justify his perspective. Bill's bizarre musings are not the real reason to have a subscription. Bill is just a figurehead and is inconsequential to the financial advice BPR provides. However, I am surprised Joel lent his comments to Bill's insanity.
It's only dishonest if Mr. Bonner doesn't believe what he wrote. Ill-advised? Ill-timed? Inappropriate? Wrong? Offensive? Those are all up for discussion. I would also point out that Mr. Bonner assembled the Bonner team, pays them, and gives them this particular forum, and he is therefore, consequential (in my view) to all advice, financial or otherwise, provided here.
As I've said elsewhere, I tend to agree with Bill when he writes about general financial matters. When he writes about war and conflicts, I believe he becomes unhinged. I think he and his team are probably pretty much on the same page financially and that he gives them a free range - mostly. Although, I expect they discuss the advice they give as a group. My point is that I don't think Bill comes up with the investment ideas.
Well, yes, he does. But he leaves the details to his team.
I agree with michael. I cringed after reading the first few The sentences of bill's post. Generally there's a good bit of a reality, but this one was really off. We need good carbon rods to regulate our reactor.
I posted a couple of serious questions a few days ago: Why won't ANY Shia Muslim Arab country take in the Palestinians? How can they exist like this, isolated and blockaded? Do they want to stay in striking distance of their enemy? Before the blowback begins, understand I am definitely NOT shilling for the Palestinians. I'm just trying to better understand.
Gaza borders on Egypt but Egypt does not allow any immigration or refugees in.
Thanks Tom. Again, the question is why? Are Palestinians so unruly and unmanageable that it would be national suicide?
Brian, have you witnessed the common American democrat lately? They are similar in almost all their behavior, except here in the states, they get away with murder...
SL: No, it's the common American Republican. You keep getting them mixed up!
Yes sweet Dorothy, the truth is the truth, no matter what You want to beleive...This just in the news today...
“Zombie Cities”: 10 Major U.S. Cities That Are Shrinking at an Alarming Rate"
Yes Dorothy, all Democrat controlled rat nest, consisting mainly of Anti American, illegal, drug addicted, mentally ill humans, and mostly rats, because everyone and anything good in those cities are leaving and only the true "Palestinian" zombies will be left.
SL: Yes sweet Steve, the truth is the truth; unfortunately, you have it all wrong (which isn't unusual since you always agree with SE).
Eye Roll.
You're nothing if not comic relief sweetheart...
SE: Better than your sick view of the Democrats when you have a bunch of illiterate Mega Republicans running around in circles.
I think opening the Gaza border to Egypt and allowing refugees would be viewed in the Arab/Islamic world as support for Israel.
Thx, Tom. That makes sense in some weird, fanatical, purist way from the radical Islamist point of view. You are probably right.
Also read that during withdrawal, the Israelis left intact buildings and greenhouses so that the Palestinians could jumpstart an economy. All were ransacked, destroyed, and stripped of copper piping. Is there any hope after something like that?
Yes, someone bought the greenhouses to start the Gazans on the right foot. Over 1,000 acres of greenhouses! The Gazans destroyed them on the first day.
Yes Brian, very similar to our inner democratic cities...no hope...
No hope -
and no copper, scrap metal or catalytic converters in sight...
Smart.
Gaza also borders the Mediterranean Sea. Couldn't they leave if they wanted to?
Insanity my brother...
Arguably occupying the #1 spot on the dimocrat crazy, dangerous and treasonous list of current activities...
The list is too long and getting longer daily...when are we going to make it stop?
https://search.brave.com/search?q=were+the+palestinians+always+in+gaza%3F&source=web
Brief synopsis from wikipedia entry : "The majority of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which contains eight refugee camps, are descendants of refugees who fled or were expelled from the area that became Israel after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War."
There are a number in Jordan. But they don't "belong" there, and were originally from the area known as Palestine, now known as Israel.
Since the Palestinians are Sunni, the question is even more appropriate. There are many very rich Sunni countries starting with Saudi Arabia.
There's been much discussion that the reason Iran and Hamas took this decision is because of the progress being made toward the normalization of diplomatic relations between Saudi and Israel. In fact, Saudi Arabia had planned to have an AI conference IN TEL AVIV in the near future. But that has been cancelled due to the war, which is understandable. But it brings home the point.
I recall Saudi Arabia had made public comments about helping to resolve the Palestinian issue. That was unacceptable to Iran. And so, here we are.
What a mess. Something even Solomon couldn't solve.
Meh - let's just slice them all in half and be done with it...
I see what you did there..
The Arabs are not monolithic. The known hatred between Shia and Sunni is just the greatest difference. They look out for their clans. The formation of Arab countries were forced upon them by European empires. (You can tell whenever the border is a straight line. Someone far away drew those on a map with no knowledge of the topography or political associations between clans.)
TB. Sykes/Picot did the foolish deed I believe
There were many Arab Christians, but I think they have all left Gaza. I I am guessing that if the inhabitants of Gaza wanted to leave, they could figure out a way to do so. I have read that there are "Palestinians" in Jordan.
There are many Palestinians who want to leave. Many hate Hamas as much as Israelis. Perhaps more so. Hamas doesn’t protect its civilians. No, they use them as human shields.
I'm sure that is true. Erick Erickson today pointed out that the leaders of Hamas do not live in Gaza. They have siphoned out billions from aid money, and they live in Doha, Qutar, bcse that regime is jihad-friendly.
I too subscribe to Erick. There are 2 million people in Gaza. Only a fraction are members of Hamas. However, the population did select Hamas to rule over Gaza. It's telling that the leaders live in Doha. There's little chance of getting shot by the IDF there.
Trans-Jordan, now Jordan is where the original dispocessed Palestinians were sent to, or fled to, when the zionist terrorist gangs (Stern and Irgun) were trying to drive the Palis, and British out of the contested former Ottoman Empire's territory.
850,000 Jews, in thriving communities, were forced out of Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Yemen. Refugees. Many had to leave by unofficial means, leaving everything behind. Israel accepted them.
Well, doesn't Gaza border the Mediterranean Sea? Take a boat if you want to leave.
The Palestinians are Sunni.
Thx. That confuses me, as I know most Iranians are Shia. I didn't think there was much collaboration between the two sects
What makes it more confusing is Hamas is Sunni while their benefactors in Iran are Shia. It seems to be one of the few instances of cooperation between the two sects. That said, I seem to recall that the phrase "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" originated in the Middle East.
Thx Mark. The more we go down the rabbit hole, the more I think we should be "hands off" all the way around, although it's too late for that.
Mark, that leaves us in a bit of a quandary, but your comment is spot-on. On another note, I heard that the Israeli / Saudi negotiations may have revolved around the Saudis acquiring a nuke (from us, of course) to level the playing field vs Iran. This seems more than crazy to me. Would the Saudis be trusted not to use it against Israel? After all, they side with the Palestinians most times, but have shown some restraint here..
Over the years, a Palestinian state has been offered to the Palestinians. Yasir Arafat specifically rejected it. The Palestinian ideology is that the only solution is the complete driving out of the Jews, and preferably their extermination.
I have read the Koran, especially the passages relating to the Jews. Much of the conflict is centuries old, and it is religiously based.
Without taking into acct the promises to the Jews in Genesis and the commands and history of Mohammad, any analysis is inadequate. By the way, there ARE Arabs who are citizens of the state of Israel.
Saw a 60 Minutes interview with Arafat several lifetimes ago, after he had a stroke. He vehemently denied they were offered a state. There was another 60 Minutes segment with Ed Bradley interviewing several Israelis. He asked them about the Palestinians, they all said, 'they should just leave, God gave us this land.' Ed Bradley was perplexed at the responses he got. The Palestinians interviewed stated that the Israelis treat them like dogs.
The Palestinians and Israelis are in a blood feud, like the Hatfields and McCoys. Only God can put an end to it - and He will.
'60 Minutes' !?!?... OMg, you could have just as effectively said, the NY Times or Wapo ...
as dubious (newspeak) sourced info. Maybe, Time 'rag'azine, WSJ, or Newsweek could be cited for the 'narrative's' veracity too !!!
Meh - I'm with you on the 60 Minutes of the last decade or so - complete propaganda garbage.
The interviews Alex mentions are older that that - back when the program occasionally told the truth...
All true, Gone Fishin'. But it is still true that Arafat refused a Palestinian state. It is also true that the Gaza Strip has not satisfied the Palestinians. Iran is their ally and puts out the Complete Destruction of Israel propaganda.
Mary, can you explain how and/or why, have Hebrews adherants to precepts of the Torah (not the Ashkanazi-Khazarian-Turk, zionists = j3ws [followers, of Talmud, Kabbala, and Zohar]) have peacefully lived in Iran for centuries ?? Inquiring minds want to know ... Asking for a friend .
That's true, but hardly anyone in the US knows it. In WWII, the Jews in France(?) wanted passage to the US. The US refused. So Iran smuggled them out of France to Iran, where their descendants still live. I have read they even serve in Parliament. Iran opposed 'political Zionism,' not Jews. There are some Jewish sects that also oppose political Zionism, AKA, Jews with Nukes.
There were Jewish groups that supported the revolution in 1979.
And while the relationship between Jews and the Shia in Iran has some strain basically Iran's leadership differentiates between Judaism and Zionism. They tolerate the former but not the latter. Being a Zionist can get you killed.
One last point. In 1979 there were about 100,000 jews in Iran. In 2021 the number was estimated to be about 8,500. Voting with your feet is the ultimate statement.
C Eti, I don't know enough to answer your question. Also on Substack is Erick Erickson. I subscribe to his daily letter, which doesn't cost much. He has a very good column today about all this.
Gf. 😂😂😂
One warning I will say to anyone wanting walls: They are non-discriminatory. They can be used to keep enemies out, but can also keep you trapped in.
You lock your doors at night, right?
Yes Tanto, thats to keep him in and everyone outside safe:)
I know everyone's heard that Israel is the only democracy in the middle east. But -
Israel was a desert not long ago. First accounts write there were no birds, bc there was nothing for them to eat. Israel is a modern country, thriving economy, universities, hospitals, and a world leader in technology. They built a modern country from scratch, with no resources like oil. Your cell phone, laptop, and medical technology all use technology from Israel.
Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Saudia Arabia, had a lot more going for them. Any of them could have opened research centers to benefit the world. But they don't. What has Saudia Arabia built with their oil money? World class universities? Hospitals? Only UAE has placed economics above ideology and hate.
Indeed, Israel is a unique thriving sandbox, where, “the language of the slaves.” is spoken, “The Mummy” 😃
Mr. Bonner has the full right to dislike Israel or any other state/people of his choice. However when he dares to compare the situation in Gaza with that in the Warsaw ghetto under the Nazi yoke he crosses a line between what is permissible and what isn't. It is indeed obscene. Bill is already on the record for having called Hitler "a great man" and now in his comment he is showing his venom against Israel and, indeed, one would suspect, against the Jews in general. In the best case he is misinformed. The fence around Gaza was built primarily to protect the Israeli inhabitants in the nearby areas from attacks of jihadist terrorists. Israel supplies, at least in part, the water and the electricity that Gaza so desperately needs. That Gaza, which is Judenfrei since Israel's total withdrawal in 2005, lacks adequate infrastructures is not because of a shortage of financial aid from abroad but primarily because Hamas, the ruling power, consistently refuses the conditions set by the Quartet (Usa, Russia, Uno, Eu) in 2002 for a negotiated solution of the conflict with Israel. Indeed, I would suggest Mr. Bonner to read the Hamas covenant (https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp). It would help him realize that this jihadist organization, offspring of the Moslem Brotherhood, is not interested in peace or in the welfare of the Palestinian population of Gaza, but in one thing only: the destruction of the Jewish state in a land that it considers part of the Islamic Waqf, which also includes "any lands the Moslems have conquered by force" (Art.11). Thus, also Andalusia in Spain and Sicily in Italy are lands to be "redeemed" at the appropriate time. And Mr. Bonner is mistaken if he thinks that Hamas hatred is aimed against the Jews only. He should ask the few Christians still living in Gaza how they really feel under Hamas rule. But he should ask them only after they have left the strip. Meanwhile he should ask members of Christian minorities who have fled Arab countries how they really felt living there under Moslem rule. I would submit that the conflict in the so called Holy Land has a religious dimension that seems to be alien to the secular Western way of thinking. I have often admired Mr. Bonner wide knowledge of history as well as his wisdom in economic matters. It is regrettable that the same cannot be said about Mr. Bonner knowledge of the Middle East reality. Giorgio Raccah (Israel)
Did he actually say Hitler was a great man? Do you have any evidence of this statement? As you likely know Hitler and the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem were friends and plotted together to extend the final solution to the Palestinian Mandate. Please advise.
In answer to your question. See American Values Revisited, June 13, 2023. This is the phrase that drew my reaction: "Typically, world improvers are clever people. They are good salesmen, good at selling themselves and getting other people to do what they want them to do. Hitler practiced his gestures in front of a mirror. Napoleon let his actions – at the front of an army – speak for him, proving to the French that they were unstoppable as long as the Corsican was in charge. The two great men, separated by 130 years, were each able to unite Europe, by force…and re-model society, for a while. Bonaparte remained at the top for 10 years. The Third Reich lasted 12".
I’ve read the article. If you read the next post from June 14 it’s apparent that he was being sarcastic in relation to the word “great”. He’s pretty dry so I don’t think he was celebrating Hitler or Napoleon. He’s opposed to war. But sometimes, war is unavoidable. Fighting terror in general and Hamas in particular is not an elective war for Israel. He’s also unsympathetic at least where innocent Israelis are concerned.
Grazie Mille. I’m going to find and read the entire article for context.
Palestine has never existed as a nation in history. As I recall, “Palestinians” were originally exported from Jordan to serve as an Islamic group to help encircle Israel with Islamic enemies bent on destroying Israel, not coexisting with Israel. Given repeated opportunities for their own nation coexisting with Israel, Palestinian leadership has refused every time, preferring to harm their own people in order to keep trying to destroy Israel. There can be no compromise with these agents of Satan, especially when these terrorists refuse to compromise and coexist. The “walls” were erected to help keep these terrorists out Israel, and the welfare of the Palestinian people depends on their leadership’s willingness to end the terrorism and live in peace (as many Arabs living in Israel do).
Post of the Day (so far).
1000 upvotes...
What do you think Starboard? New name for democrats... Palestinians?
They seem to have the same agenda against America...
Yup.
If push came to shove, 'ol Skanky McCankles wouldn't really want to "deprogram" or "re-educate" any of the Deplorables. Her and her ilk would much rather just choose the expedient method of decapitation. Don't doubt it - they HATE us and see us as nothing but inhuman obstacles...
But we know by the truth on how we act as humans, and how they act...it's just difficult when they have a corrupt media promoting their insanity like it's American...
SL: Sick, sick and sick. That comment is way beneath you. Well, maybe not!
It's REALITY Ms. Clueless.
Keep supporting blue no matter who and you will continue being PART OF THE DESTRUCTION OF OUR COUNTRY YOU SAY YOU LOVE...
SE: NO...that's you Mr. Clueless. Also, your MEGA republicans are doing nothing to help our country. They want Donald back! Unbelievable. Let's hope Jim Jordan, GOP, Republican doesn't get House Speaker. He's almost as bad as Trump. By the way, Jordan was in on the Jan 6 debacle.
“When peace comes we will perhaps in time be able to forgive the Arabs for killing our sons, but it will be harder for us to forgive them for having forced us to kill their sons. Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us.” Golda Meir 🤔
I think that holds true for every nation about to embark on an invasion of another. Great quote.
Bill has some confusion about right and wrong. Bill is above all that. He likes to stir the pot and watch the little people get upset. It's entertaining. While most of us have to live in the world among other people, Bill can retreat to a remote area in the Andes or a castle in Ireland or wherever he's looking down from lofty heights at the rest of humanity. Dealing with other humans is a pain.
Yes, there's a war industry. Yes, it's immoral. Yes, there are contradictions and hypocrisy. Yes, things are hopeless, but we need to make them better. But you either know your history or you don't. Well some Orthodox Jews spit on some Christians, so we don't care if they get their heads chopped off. 1+1 =2, so we're done here. Pretty nifty. Hey Bill, did you know they spit on Jews too if they aren't Orthodox? We don't chop their babies' heads off. We don't shoot their unarmed elderly and rape them and film it with a leer on our faces.
If you can't tell right from wrong and you twist history, anything is possible.
Speak to the millions of Christians that visit Israel each year and ask if they feel threatened. All religious sites in Israel are treated with respect: Jewish, Moslem, Christian, and others. They are protected by the government. While Jews may not live in areas under Palestinian rule, Christians have been leaving Palestinian areas because of persecution.
When you stray from your supposed expertise, politics get in your way. Having wars is timeless and endless. It’s the human condition. Our involvement as a hegemon and questioning that involvement is one thing.
But to suggest moral equivalence is hubris beyond your pay grade.
It's not rocket science.
In 2005, Israel disengaged from Gaza Strip. They forcibly moved 9,000 Israeli residents from their homes, and dismantled thriving communities. Israel dropped its claim to the Gaza Strip and left the Gaza strip to its residents - Palestinians. The idea was for Palestinians to take responsibility for their own governance, to run their region themselves. THE GAZA STRIP IS CURRENTLY NOT PART OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL.
Until this week, Israel supplied the Gaza Strip with utilities, such as electricity. Hundreds of trucks deliver goods to the Strip (I think upwards of 500 every day). The Israeli driver brings the container to the border crossing, decouples, and a Palestinian driver connects to the container and drives it into the Strip. Palestinians from Gaza are allowed into Israel to work.
The Warsaw Ghetto was part of Poland. It is not a separate region like Gaza is to Israel. Jewish citizens of Poland were removed from their homes and forced into the ghetto. Gazans are not citizens of Israel, they don't live in Israel. Israel is under no obligation to allow them in.
It is beyond belief that someone as knowledgeable in history as Bill does not get this distinction. And that Joel implies that there is no economic relationship between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
Here in the states we have the same issue with mentally deranged scum that constantly bite the hands that feed them. When will we humans learn that some cannot be helped by kindness?
Mr. Bonner has finally crossed the line, to equate Gaza with the Warsaw ghetto is beyond reason, The wall separating Gaza from Israel was not designed to keep people in but to keep them OUT. When Gazans got out they killed Jews. If Mr.Bonner does not understand this he either is ignorant or has a definite bias against Israel. May I remind Mr. Bonner that Israel gave Gaza full independence and rather than they choosing to building a country they choose to build a military base.
I also would like to hear about the rich men North of Moscow and Tehran
"they choose to build a military base."
Correction:
A terrorist entity. Nothing military about them. Gaza is not a country. They do not follow Geneva Conventions, etc.
Truth.
And "palestinians" is NOT a people. Manufactured terms for a bunch of nasty-attitude refugees nobody wanted...
What does an attack by Hamas on Israel have to do with us? The answer to this question is so patently obvious that Bill Bonner, whose libertarian, anarcho-capitalist views generally coincide with mine, must be playing around. If I've heard the chant "Death to Israel! Death to America!" once I've heard it a thousand times. Rightly or wrongly, appropriately or inappropriately, fortunately or unfortunately, traditional-values America has been forever, inseparably and indelibly, linked with Israel in the minds of the "Palestinians". (Please to recall that Jews are also "Palestinians"; in fact, they are the original "Palestinians" in that the Abrahamic spin-off known as Islam was a Johnny-come-lately in both culture and religious doctrine, by thousands of years.) When these Palestinian zealots scream "Death!" they mean it. It doesn't take much to understand that in their minds, their wishes of death for Israel apply directly and immediately to us. 9/11/2001, anybody?
Is my statement meant to imply that one side is completely wrong and the other lily-white? NO. Such is never the case. Still, it is known that these religious zealots, the emissaries of peace, harmony, and love, are as often as each others' throats, as they are at the Jews' or ours. My solution? Move the entire state of Israel to Arizona and/or Nevada, thereby ensuring the safety of Israel, the Palestinian Jews, and the USA, and let the Islamic whackos kill each other. Bet always. PM
Sad so much depravity on such a large scale.
Sad too that, taken together, as much if not more wanton murder and injury occurs daily in the rest of the countries on this planet
Nightly news and morning newspapers in every city are replete with stories of all manner of harm that members of our species render to each other including the defenseless young and the very elderly
Gaza is not a ghetto though is it as the Arabs could go to Egypt, with which it has a border, or be invited to live in any other Arab country. How can Israelis live according to a “one state” solution when the Islamic ideology mandates the extermination of the Jews?
What is interesting is the example that Israel sets as one of the dwindling (albeit struggling) number of nation states in the world.