Trump is showing more bias for Israel
THE announcement by US President Donald Trump recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is further demonstration of its bias towards Israel.
How could this be otherwise when the USA aid programme has featured Israel as the largest recipient of aid amounting to more than $3bn annually, $38bn over 10 years and $140bn since 1976.
Most of this support has been in military aid, thus building up Israel’s power base in the region.
In contrast, the Palestinians have received negligible funding resulting in subventions from more favourably-disposed countries.
This imbalance of support, maintained by formidable Jewish influence and the religious right, disqualifies the USA from any meaningful role as a broker in the conflict.
Not only has this bias been demonstrated by the USA but by the UK also.
The Balfour Declaration stated, inter alia, in recognising Palestine as a national home for the Jewish people, it be clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine.
Over many years, UK governments have failed to uphold the provisions of the declaration,ignored the oppressive, destructive Israeli actions and violations against international law and the Palestinian population. Tom Jackson Stockport
Carbon taxes for politicians
JM Johnson says (Viewpoints, December 7), that the CO2 debate is pointless.
I’d disagree. He makes the mistake of linking rising CO2 levels to increasing temperatures although, as other correspondents have already shown; CO2 levels were higher in previous ice ages even taking in to account evidence from website Skeptical Science which says CO2 levels were eight times pre-industrial levels at 2240ppm. The sun was much cooler then, meaning its historical output drives climate change, not CO2 emissions. That leaves us with a big bill. Western governments make billions of pounds out of CO2 taxes.
Most of us care deeply about the environment and do our best to protect it by recycling and other measures. CO2 taxes don’t ‘save’ the planet; they just make politicians richer and more powerful whilst controlling resources. David Bagnall Cheshire
Thanks for all your help
WE would like to thank Manchester residents for helping to prevent the eviction of more than 1,000 vulnerable people from their homes in São Paulo, Brazil.
The residents of the Mauá building, an abandoned hotel that lay empty for 17 years, moved in ten years ago and lovingly renovated it to create a vibrant community hub.
Since they moved in, they fought, in accordance with Brazilian law, for the authorities to acquire the building and convert it into social housing for low-income families.
But, in September, they were served an eviction notice.
In a landmark case, and after ongoing campaigning by the families and local CAFOD supporters, public authorities have agreed to purchase the building to convert it into social housing.
People in Manchester rallied together: spreading the word on social media, signing the petition and even standing in solidarity with the community by photographing themselves holding a #FicaMauá campaign sign. Thanks to the support of Manchester locals, the 237 families who have spent months facing an uncertain future on the streets can spend their Christmas safe in the knowledge that they will not lose their homes. Ann Wilson, CAFOD Representative, Salford
Please think about pets
CAN anyone spare a tin or two of pet food to give to Animals in Distress, Leach Farm, Swaindrod Lane, Littleborough OL15 OLE?
I would be a great help. Roy Baines, Skelmersdale