Friday, April 29, 2011

Superman's ruminations

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Politicians may be unable or unwilling to represent those who have not paid handsomely, but Superman, a comic book character, is considering giving up his U.S. citizenship in his pursuit of justice.

"'Truth, justice and the American way' - it's not enough anymore," Superman says in the latest issue. "The world is too small, too connected."

Given a society whose news media have spent a nauseating and unconscionable amount of energy in probing President Barack Obama's origins, the symbolism of Superman's decision may arouse some 'patriotic' fervor.

Comic book enthusiasts may find it less compelling (at the moment) that the new government in Egypt has announced it would open its Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip permanently.

This crossing, the only one not controlled by Israel, was choked off in the past under the administration of now-ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, a man who upheld Israel's interests ... no doubt with a little nudging from the United States. The Egyptian foreign minister said Egypt's past support for a blockade of Gaza was disgraceful and the International Red Cross called it a clear violation of international humanitarian law. Israel has claimed that free access to Gaza implies the arming of its enemies ... and paid little heed to the suffering imposed by a blockade that may have stopped arms shipments, but also denied nourishment and employment to ordinary citizens.

Who knows -- maybe Superman will take a trip to Gaza.
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