Students stage sit-in over Gaza (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

A lesson that you should teach HAMAS then.

I don´t hear any of them condemning the firing off of missiles into Israel by Hamas. They voted Hamas in, they´ve got the governmment they deserve as the saying goes.

I'm pretty sure other students don't share the concerns and the universities stance on the conflict in Gaza so why should they submit to the demands of a hundred or so unruly protestors carrying out an unlawful act. The suggestion that they should 'twin' with a the Islamic University in Gaza is simply pathetic!
Politics has no place in a multicultural educational facilty!

One of the morons is posting on the your say forum.

what a clown this lad is.

Hmm, perhaps the University should ask all of its students how many of them agree that the statement espoused by Hamas and others that the State of Israel should be wiped off the face of the earth before rusing to placate the'demands' of an unrepresentative gruop of 'students'.

Why do they never seem to raise awareness of the other atrocities that are going on in the world e.g Burma, Sudan, Somalia, Zimbabwe, North Korea or is just this one that gets special attention?

finemess wrote:
I'm pretty sure other students don't share the concerns and the universities stance on the conflict in Gaza so why should they submit to the demands of a hundred or so unruly protestors carrying out an unlawful act. The suggestion that they should 'twin' with a the Islamic University in Gaza is simply pathetic! Politics has no place in a multicultural educational facilty!

Finemess, get your facts right even before you start to hurl insults at demonstrators who are only trying to do their best for the sake of victims of war. Firstly, they are not 'unruly protestors' like you say, unless you'd like to share a picture which the T&A did'nt show and secondly if they were carrying out an 'unlawful act' then why on earth are'nt the police there to stop it?! Thirdly if 'politics has no place in a multicultural education facility' (I imagine you did'nt go to one either because you had difficulty spelling the word 'facilty' LOL)then why the hell do we have students studying subjects such as 'politics and law'? Besides, students at Bradford Uni will hopefully one day be at the forefront of trying their best to solve ongoing conflicts around the world. Being one of the only universities in the UK to offer a degree in 'Peace Studies', those graduates will be well equipped to deal with conflicts around the world like the one in Gaza, unlike guys on this 'your say' that have been moaning and grunting against such dedicated people wanting to do their best. Get a life guys and do something useful with your time. Thank you

I knew someone who finished a Peace studies course last year. She said it was a waste of time and she was going travelling for a year as there was no way she could find a job anywhere near related to the subject. Apart from being a Peace studies tutor.

No, sorry, I don't see how students with a degree in peace studies can solve conflicts (not just Gaza) around the world. Can you elaborate? How about halting the military dictatorships in North Korea and Burma? Hundreds of thousands, even millions of people starved, tortured, put into labour camps.... while the western politicians in their smart suits appear on TV saying "we condemn the actions of (insert country or regime here)" and not really doing anything.

Good for them. I'm glad to see that they feel strongly enough to try to do something about it.. Edifying!

FP - A really interesting and well articulated response to a group of people who have probably been deprived of a university education. Unfortunately, you are trying to convince a group who like to come on to this forum and lose absolutely every argument in way that can only be described as a complete white-wash.

I am yet to see a posting that has been posted by this bunch that has not been shredded to pieces and returned; but guess what? They come back for more either because they struggle to digest the reality of what is going on or because they refuse to change their hard-lined views even in the face of over-whelming evidence.

Finally, just to add that the dept of Peace Studies is a world renouned centre ranking amongst the top 3 in the world.

Don't just assume. I've got a complete university education. And not from Bradford. And I'm employed in my field as well.

To the students, good luck trying to get a job when youre finished.

Well, one thing I'v found with you rambo is the fact that you like to pick out at anything anyone says. Even after you read this I bet you'll write something. Or maybe not just to prove me wrong. Yes, you have a point about raising awareness about the plight of other victims but the victim of Palestine in particular Gaza stand out more than others simply because of the nature of their long history of abuse from a country which has eyes bigger than it's stomach. No matter how many examples or analigies I give and how much I write and try to explain you will always find some holes to pick at. Facts and logic alone do not lead to understanding rather a combination of opening ones heart and willingness to accept reality to the truth help a person to see the truth.

I wonder if some of your correspondents have ever left Bradford? In universities up and down the country, students of every nationality, political persuasion and religious belief have been demonstrating in support of the people of Gaza, as have trade unionists, politicians and people from all sections of society. The students at Bradford University are to be congratulated on their humanity, and I'd remind them that they are not alone. Many of us feel as they do, and they should not be discouraged by the rantings of the few.

blantyrelass wrote:
I wonder if some of your correspondents have ever left Bradford? In universities up and down the country, students of every nationality, political persuasion and religious belief have been demonstrating in support of the people of Gaza, as have trade unionists, politicians and people from all sections of society. The students at Bradford University are to be congratulated on their humanity, and I'd remind them that they are not alone. Many of us feel as they do, and they should not be discouraged by the rantings of the few.

Brings music to my ears, couldn't be said much finer. Wonderful.

Rambo wrote:
I knew someone who finished a Peace studies course last year. She said it was a waste of time and she was going travelling for a year as there was no way she could find a job anywhere near related to the subject. Apart from being a Peace studies tutor. No, sorry, I don't see how students with a degree in peace studies can solve conflicts (not just Gaza) around the world. Can you elaborate? How about halting the military dictatorships in North Korea and Burma? Hundreds of thousands, even millions of people starved, tortured, put into labour camps.... while the western politicians in their smart suits appear on TV saying "we condemn the actions of (insert country or regime here)" and not really doing anything.

I know several Peace studies graduates. Of the four, all bar one have been successful in their chosen careers. However none of them work in a job affiliated to that subject - but then, my brother-in-law doesn't have a career in advanced maths either... Education shouldn't necessarily be confused with vocational skills. Or maybe I'm just old-fashioned enough to still appreciate the idea of knowledge and learning as an important part of self-development and increased awareness.

I thought the point of Peace Studies was that it should enable its students to analyse and reason. It should help them to see a broad picture of world affairs, incorporating politics, economics, history, philosophy, sociology and cultural studies. I believe that it will prove to be a valuable degree in the coming years, but recommend that your friend, if she's serious about working in that sector, acquires additional skills which will help her to compete in a tough jobs market - project management perhaps, or a training qualification or a second language. Furthermore, despite your cynicism,
I'm hopeful that Peace Studies graduates can help solve conflicts, whether through journalism, blogging or sharing their enhanced knowledge over drinks in the pub.

And of course the problem that our politicians have with all juntas is that - even if we didn't tacitly help create the problem - interfering in other countries' politics - however corrupt - is expensive, thankless and usually illegal... The world's opinion of the British marching back into Burma some 60 years after we left it - albeit to 'liberate' it - would surely make for entertaining reading!

FP wrote:

finemess wrote:
I'm pretty sure other students don't share the concerns and the universities stance on the conflict in Gaza so why should they submit to the demands of a hundred or so unruly protestors carrying out an unlawful act. The suggestion that they should 'twin' with a the Islamic University in Gaza is simply pathetic! Politics has no place in a multicultural educational facilty!

Finemess, get your facts right even before you start to hurl insults at demonstrators who are only trying to do their best for the sake of victims of war. Firstly, they are not 'unruly protestors' like you say, unless you'd like to share a picture which the T&A did'nt show and secondly if they were carrying out an 'unlawful act' then why on earth are'nt the police there to stop it?! Thirdly if 'politics has no place in a multicultural education facility' (I imagine you did'nt go to one either because you had difficulty spelling the word 'facilty' LOL)then why the hell do we have students studying subjects such as 'politics and law'? Besides, students at Bradford Uni will hopefully one day be at the forefront of trying their best to solve ongoing conflicts around the world. Being one of the only universities in the UK to offer a degree in 'Peace Studies', those graduates will be well equipped to deal with conflicts around the world like the one in Gaza, unlike guys on this 'your say' that have been moaning and grunting against such dedicated people wanting to do their best. Get a life guys and do something useful with your time. Thank you

The same could be said of the students!

I wonder if some of those supporting the students action would be doing the same if this had been a protest about Hamas?

Snore Snore Snore

Albion, I think so. Yes, this war has undoubtedly political roots, BUT that's not the point at the moment dont you see? The point I believe the students and many other demonstrators are trying to make at this moment in time is to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. How hard can that be to understand? Maybe you'll read this again and again but it will be to of no avail. If it were your family that was killed, your house shelled , your father butchered , your mother murdered, siblings shot in front of your eyes, and no safe place to turn to then who would you be asking for help? Everyone around you that could have helped you are dead. Your now on your own. No, your not on own because many thousands of miles away the students at Bradford University want to try and help in any way possible.

albion wrote:
I wonder if some of those supporting the students action would be doing the same if this had been a protest about Hamas?

I expect many of us have protested, and continue to protest, about other injustices or corrupt regimes around the world - as well as here at home. It's possible to care about a situation and the people involved, and have no direct contact, no family link, no vested interest, no axe to grind. It isn't done out of virtue, or a wish to be noticed, or even out of religious belief, in many cases.

Some of us - more than certain contributors here may think - believe that injustice is to be abhorred wherever it occurs, no matter whom it affects.

FP wrote:
Albion, I think so. Yes, this war has undoubtedly political roots, BUT that's not the point at the moment dont you see? The point I believe the students and many other demonstrators are trying to make at this moment in time is to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. How hard can that be to understand? Maybe you'll read this again and again but it will be to of no avail. If it were your family that was killed, your house shelled , your father butchered , your mother murdered, siblings shot in front of your eyes, and no safe place to turn to then who would you be asking for help? Everyone around you that could have helped you are dead. Your now on your own. No, your not on own because many thousands of miles away the students at Bradford University want to try and help in any way possible.

Are you going for the Booker Prize or what. Lol

FP wrote:
Albion, I think so. Yes, this war has undoubtedly political roots, BUT that's not the point at the moment dont you see? The point I believe the students and many other demonstrators are trying to make at this moment in time is to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. How hard can that be to understand? Maybe you'll read this again and again but it will be to of no avail. If it were your family that was killed, your house shelled , your father butchered , your mother murdered, siblings shot in front of your eyes, and no safe place to turn to then who would you be asking for help? Everyone around you that could have helped you are dead. Your now on your own. No, your not on own because many thousands of miles away the students at Bradford University want to try and help in any way possible.

Good, send them out there and let them do something practical.
And if i were in the situation you describe, i certainly wouldnt carry on firing rockets and further antagonising the situation.

blantyrelass wrote:

albion wrote:
I wonder if some of those supporting the students action would be doing the same if this had been a protest about Hamas?

I expect many of us have protested, and continue to protest, about other injustices or corrupt regimes around the world - as well as here at home. It's possible to care about a situation and the people involved, and have no direct contact, no family link, no vested interest, no axe to grind. It isn't done out of virtue, or a wish to be noticed, or even out of religious belief, in many cases.

Some of us - more than certain contributors here may think - believe that injustice is to be abhorred wherever it occurs, no matter whom it affects.

"Some of us" definitely, but there are some on here who almost exclusively post for religious purposes, you can count their opinions of other subjects on the fingers of a woodcutters hand, and you cant count their backing of anything concerning a religion other than their own at all.
You might well say that is their right, just as it is mine to question their motives.

There seem to quite a few Zionists on this forum.

Didn't know they'd be taking so much interest in the T&A to be honest.

Ive said before, its not the protesting I have a problem with, it's the fact it's not directed at the right source and sometimes normal people are caught up in it (e.g harrassing people going into particular stores, but that is not the case here).

Israel aren't going to give 2 hoots if you protest at a Mcdonalds somewhere in the north of England or form a group at a University.

Take protesting direct to the Israeli embassy. Not Starbucks or the BBC.

albion wrote:

blantyrelass wrote:

albion wrote: I wonder if some of those supporting the students action would be doing the same if this had been a protest about Hamas?

I expect many of us have protested, and continue to protest, about other injustices or corrupt regimes around the world - as well as here at home. It's possible to care about a situation and the people involved, and have no direct contact, no family link, no vested interest, no axe to grind. It isn't done out of virtue, or a wish to be noticed, or even out of religious belief, in many cases. Some of us - more than certain contributors here may think - believe that injustice is to be abhorred wherever it occurs, no matter whom it affects.

"Some of us" definitely, but there are some on here who almost exclusively post for religious purposes, you can count their opinions of other subjects on the fingers of a woodcutters hand, and you cant count their backing of anything concerning a religion other than their own at all. You might well say that is their right, just as it is mine to question their motives.

I have no doubt that some people have a religious agenda, just as others have an obvious political one. I intend to take an independent stance, nonethless. We're all guilty of being moved more by some issues than others - that's human nature - but I can't take responsibility for the motives of others; I can question only my own.

Rambo wrote:
Ive said before, its not the protesting I have a problem with, it's the fact it's not directed at the right source and sometimes normal people are caught up in it (e.g harrassing people going into particular stores, but that is not the case here). Israel aren't going to give 2 hoots if you protest at a Mcdonalds somewhere in the north of England or form a group at a University. Take protesting direct to the Israeli embassy. Not Starbucks or the BBC.

Protests, as I'm sure you you know, are also going on at embassies. That doesn't mean that people shouldn't try to raise awareness at a local level. As you point out, there has been no harrassment of members of the public, but if it makes one person think about where he spends his money, that's a good thing. I don't think anyone's naive enough to imagine that one protest will change the way Israel is handling this situation, but I'm not going to stand by and witness wrong-doing and say nothing. I'm glad that some students feel the same way.

albion wrote:

FP wrote: Albion, I think so. Yes, this war has undoubtedly political roots, BUT that's not the point at the moment dont you see? The point I believe the students and many other demonstrators are trying to make at this moment in time is to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. How hard can that be to understand? Maybe you'll read this again and again but it will be to of no avail. If it were your family that was killed, your house shelled , your father butchered , your mother murdered, siblings shot in front of your eyes, and no safe place to turn to then who would you be asking for help? Everyone around you that could have helped you are dead. Your now on your own. No, your not on own because many thousands of miles away the students at Bradford University want to try and help in any way possible.

Good, send them out there and let them do something practical. And if i were in the situation you describe, i certainly wouldnt carry on firing rockets and further antagonising the situation.

Just exactly the response I was expecting from a dim twitted idiot!

Albion are sure you were writing your response when you were sober? Because it seems your name has some connotations with local pubs around Bradford!

Anyone like to share a few? (lol)

FP wrote:

albion wrote:

FP wrote: Albion, I think so. Yes, this war has undoubtedly political roots, BUT that's not the point at the moment dont you see? The point I believe the students and many other demonstrators are trying to make at this moment in time is to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. How hard can that be to understand? Maybe you'll read this again and again but it will be to of no avail. If it were your family that was killed, your house shelled , your father butchered , your mother murdered, siblings shot in front of your eyes, and no safe place to turn to then who would you be asking for help? Everyone around you that could have helped you are dead. Your now on your own. No, your not on own because many thousands of miles away the students at Bradford University want to try and help in any way possible.

Good, send them out there and let them do something practical. And if i were in the situation you describe, i certainly wouldnt carry on firing rockets and further antagonising the situation.

Just exactly the response I was expecting from a dim twitted idiot!

Resorting to insults and rude comments says a good deal about yourself!

FP wrote:
Albion are sure you were writing your response when you were sober? Because it seems your name has some connotations with local pubs around Bradford!

Anyone like to share a few? (lol)

Due to medical problems i very rarely drink, and certainly not to excess.
My name being the same as that of a public house is purely coincidental.

I thought it was to do with West Brom.

Well in that case Rambo and Albion, have you still got the point? Or are we going to end up going back in circles?

I spotted a report today about Burma on the BBc site. I didn't go trawling for it to score points. Humanitarian groups say 6 million people are at risk of starvation, and they say little attention hass been given to those concerned. There are also reports of India And Thailand ill-treating refugees.

Wonder if we'll see an appeal for that?

And I notice in France theyre all on the streets over the handling of the economic crisis, and for the protection of wages and jobs. Something people here should draw more attention to at the moment before half this city is made redundant. Going off on a bit of a tangent, i know. But I bet theres a lot of people out there more concerned with what their employment and financial situation will be in 6 months rather than an area of the middle East that has we're used to seeing tit-for-tat violence for years that only seems to be getting worse. Unfortunately I think the only solution will be for an even bigger bully to come along and dish it out to Israel.

Selfish? Probably. But to be honest, in the times we're in, people at risk see all the demos, protests, aid given out etc and start to think "who's sticking up for me?"

quite frankly no one!

albion wrote:

FP wrote: Albion, I think so. Yes, this war has undoubtedly political roots, BUT that's not the point at the moment dont you see? The point I believe the students and many other demonstrators are trying to make at this moment in time is to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. How hard can that be to understand? Maybe you'll read this again and again but it will be to of no avail. If it were your family that was killed, your house shelled , your father butchered , your mother murdered, siblings shot in front of your eyes, and no safe place to turn to then who would you be asking for help? Everyone around you that could have helped you are dead. Your now on your own. No, your not on own because many thousands of miles away the students at Bradford University want to try and help in any way possible.

Good, send them out there and let them do something practical. And if i were in the situation you describe, i certainly wouldnt carry on firing rockets and further antagonising the situation.

I agree. If it was us Brits under seige we'd do the decent thing and lie down and die.