The flotilla actually sailed to aid Palestinians AND to confront the atrocious blockade imposed by the rogue Israeli state. So what? Why shouldn't decent people everywhere confront the rogue Israeli state?

What Zionists and their supporters like Bren Carlill refuse to admit is that Israel was never wanted in the place where it now exists. Creating it there was a huge mistake. It does not belong there. It's very presence has provoked ongoing wars and disputes for over 60 years. It is already justifiably hated by most of its neighbours and many others around the world, a hatred that is strengthened every time Israel employs its bullyboy tactics. No amount of legalistic argument from Carlill and his ilk will change that. They should all pull their heads in and behave like civilized, reasonable, likable human beings for a while if they ever hope to overcome the hatred felt against them.

I can't say I agree with much of what Hamas stands for (a theocratic regime of any sort is problematic for me) but that doesn't stop me from seeing that this sort of tactic on the Israeli's part is extremely idiotic. Every aid ship that's attacked will only make it worse. If you don't agree, do some research on how the British lost India. Very few British subjects lost their lives. The casualties were mostly on the Indian side.

Israel for a long time has had the massive sympathy factor of the Holocaust on its side. That fact has been played to the extent of making it tantamount to Holocaust denial to criticise anything Israel does. Unfortunately, that effect, as with any scenario that disallows fair criticism, has allowed very stupid behaviour to be tolerated. The Economist dubbed current Israeli PM Netanyahu a "serial bungler" in 1997, and sees no reason to change that description: http://magic.economist.com/node/15720376

Kenny, C J Morgan, ianbrum, David G, Aka, jeremy, plantagenet, Please loony, lefties, do continue to display your Un Australian attitudes.

After 2010, NEVER AGAIN, TA will be PM & the senate will not be controlled by the red/greens. There will be, 5 or 6 decades too late but better late than never, a senate committee on Un Australian activities.

I propose giving the Maoists what they have been wanting all along a "cultural revolution".

Enjoy your freedom while it lasts, "Baxter" "Rehabilitation Resource" awaits you.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8630135369495797236#

http://www.cruelhoax.ca/#top

http://www.heineraffair.info/

http://www.themonthly.com.au/monthly-essays-louis-nowra-exclusive-germaine-greer-and-female-eunuch-2309

The writer stated, "But the essence of the story is simple: some very cynical people manipulated some very naïve people into an armed attack against soldiers..."
"Naive people"? Give me a break.

Formersnag, thanks for sharing with us yet again your "moderate and mainstream" political views. But what do any of the links you posted have to with the topic under discussion?

Let's wait and hear the eyewitness reports from all those on board.Put them under oath and get the truth.

I know we cannot trust Israel but there will be some on this flotilla who also will guild the lilly.