St. Petersburg Times
August 27, 2003
Letters to the Editor
A fair analysis
Re: Deplorable detention, editorial, Aug. 20.
A round of applause goes to the St. Petersburg Times for the editorial piece regarding the prison conditions and tactics being used against Sami Al-Arian. Keep in mind the campaign that has been waged against any media outlet or journalist that even attempts to display a fair-minded, progressive approach toward either the Al- Arian case, or more broadly the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. The most recent verbal onslaught arose over columnist Bill Maxwell’s article, when he referred to the 3-million Palestinians living under Israeli occupation as “victims” (U.S. policy of blaming the victim leaves Palestinians no hope, Aug. 10). That alone brought charges of anti-Semitism.

Essentially, the theory is to verbally bully one’s opponent into submission. However, some of us in the community truly appreciate a broader spectrum of analysis, thought and opinion. We acknowledge an individual’s right to innocence until proved guilty in a court of law, and we recognize that there are always two sides to every story. We are not looking to be spoon-fed the game plan from a special interest group, and welcome sound journalism that presents a diverse perspective thereby allowing the reader to reach their own conclusion on issues.