News – Lazy News Fragment

I feel lazy today, but here are a few tidbits I wanted to comment on.

BBC reporter Alan Johnson is finally freed. It’s about damn time too. What’s interesting is he has lovely words for all save Hamas, the ones who actually made the deal to get him out. Now, I’m not saying Hamas deserves all that much or anything else, but I do think some words of acknowledgement wouldn’t be out of line. The following article describes enough to show they were quite willing to battle the armed family clan that held him for his release. That they’re still trying to legitimize themselves sends signals that they can still be dealt with in a way higher than that of bombs and bullets.

It’s also notable, in the second article, an account of how profoundly this has effected Palestinians in Gaza, as quoted from another BBC journalist in the region. It’s a bit pie in the sky, but still, even a bit of truth in that would be a welcome thing in the region.

The solution won’t come from Israel, who seems set and determined to drive Gaza civilians into dependence on Hamas and thus strengthen them even more as well as add many more resentful, angry people primed for recruitment into the group. Hungry people have to eat and he who provides the food will have their gratitude. He who denies them will have their anger. It can’t get simpler than that.

One last thought comes to mind. What happens if Hamas does manage to bring order to Gaza? How will things look if we or Israel decide to go in there and break it up, once again bringing chaos with us? This is a direct allusion to what happened in Iraq. Yes, Iraq’s order was a dark one, but it was in order. It is considerably less so now, with no indication of when Iraqis might again live normal lives free of daily news of destruction and fighting.

It’s something to consider amongst other things when musing how to bring and end to the trouble in the region.

But enough of that, more details on Alan’s captivity.

On the lighter side, explainer looks at how hard it is to tell one’s age and if Libby can get his fine money back if pardoned.

The second part of the health care primary, featuring the John Edwards health care plan.

Amusements

Newgrounds: This is Jerry – Note: Contains adult themes, a sad ending and a brief moment of blasphemy at the end. If any of these things upset you and your sense of humor isn’t as dark as mine(this one had me rolling), don’t click. Otherwise enjoy.

Newgrounds: Dad’s at Work – So wonderful to see that character at it again. Don’t know who Dad is? Check the next flash first.

Newgrounds: Dad’s Home

Have a good weekend, folks.