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At this time, the State of Illinois is in its worst financial crisis in 50 years. The State is in such great debt that schools are being forced to consolidate all across Illinois. $100 million has been trimmed from general State aid, grants for special education, funding for reading programs, early childhood intervention and bilingual services. Teachers are being laid off. There are homeless people all over the streets of Chicago. Funding is being eliminated for human services, such as AIDS and HIV Outreach for minorities. Millions of dollars more in crucial funding for hospitals, nursing homes, child-welfare agencies, home-care providers, needy college students and prisons have been cut.
I spent Tuesday afternoon calling every State Rep.'s phone number I could find. Not one State Representative or State Senator would take my call directly. According to the website www.israelbonds.com (given out by State Rep. Dan Rutherford's (R-Pontiac) office for more information on the bonds), Israel bonds are securities issued by the State of Israel to help build and strengthen the nation's economy and infrastructure. State Rep. Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston), a co-sponsor of the recent bill authorizing the purchase of the Israel bonds signed by Governor Ryan last week, stated that the purchase of these Israel bonds "sends an unmistakably clear message of support for the State of Israel, and this legislation is one important way to strengthen that relationship at a very critical time." Well what about the Palestinians living in the State of Israel? What about the residents of Illinois who have innocent family members in the Occupied Territories who have been terrorized, ripped apart and murdered by the very same infrastructure these bonds are going to strengthen?? The website clearly states "Invest with us for the future of the Jewish people." Well what about the future of the people of Illinois??? Who put these guys in office? Last time I checked, you had to be a U.S. Citizen, AND a resident of the State of Illinois to vote. With the State in such financial turmoil, wouldn't a referendum have been more appropriate?? Or with such local fragile sensitivities on both sides of the situation, would it not have been best to not even invest in these Israel bonds at this time?
I ask, as a taxpayer and a voter in the State of Illinois: since we are in such financial turmoil in our own State, why are we making investments in violation of international law? Why are we driving the tanks? The only infrastructure that will be strengthened will be the Israeli war machine, causing the destruction of the lives of whoever is left. And then all the taxpayers of Illinois will have blood on their hands.
Jamila Zafar
jamilaz@yahoo.com
Chicago, IL
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Jamila Zafar
Jamila Zafar, staying home to take care of her princess.
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Wow, thanks for the info! E | Jun 12th, 2005
Hey,
I also live in Illinois, am a citizen, and can vote. Before this post, I wasnt aware that my state had so many ties to Israel. Thats awesome! Israel is a beautiful country amidst a similar conflict as America. The same terror that caused 9/11 is causing their bombings. I think America should stand by Israel, and continue to support its best friend in the Middle East.
You say my vote drives Israeli tanks? Well, so much the better! Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, and they've been attacked for this and many other reasons. If Illinois helps Israel fight the disgusting terror that exists, then I am even prouder to be a resident of Illinois!
Thanks and Good luck!
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