Endorsements
Following are endorsements that encourage the utilization of public access television stations in
order to educate and inform millions of misinformed and uninformed Americans
Anna Baltzer
Author, Filmmaker and Volunteer with the
International Women’s Peace Service
Endorsement of the televised film series,
“America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect”
The anti-war pro-justice community is strong, motivated, and creative, yet in many ways we are ineffective. It is not that our opposition controls the media and government; they are just much better at utilizing it. By broadcasting educational films nationwide on community/public television stations via a growing network of individuals and groups with Global Information Services, we can reach millions more than any demonstration or presentation ever could!
Contact Fred Shepherd at Global Information Services to get the message out—we can’t afford to keep reinventing the wheel and complaining about inertia. We need to educate! Airing these films is a most rewarding experience!
Anna Baltzer is a 28 -year-old Jewish American Columbia graduate, Fulbright scholar, and the granddaughter of Holocaust refugees. She is a three-time volunteer with the International Women’s Peace Service, where she documented human rights abuses in the West Bank and supported the nonviolent movement against the Occupation. She has spent most of the past few years in Palestine or on tour with her book, Witness in Palestine: A Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories and her acclaimed presentation, “Life in Occupied Palestine: Eyewitness Stories & Photos.”
Khalil Bendib
Berkeley, CA based award winning Political cartoonist, satirist and radio commentator (Voices of the Middle East and North Africa) KPFA-94.1 fm, Berkeley, CA)
Endorsement of the televised film series,
“America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect”
“Fred Shepherd, of Global Information Services is a one-man ministry of information when it comes to the Middle East and the thorny issue of Israel/Palestine in particular. His film series, ‘America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect’ is available and approved for airing nationwide on public access television. The only hope for peace is more information, more access to the truth, and Fred has single-handedly done more than most people I can think of to open the field and provide some of the crucial information the censors in the mainstream media want to keep from the American public.
The so-called ‘public’ PBS television stations have been hijacked by the military-industrial-Zionist complex, which leaves only one nationwide TV network and that is the Community/Public Access Television system. This medium may be utilized by residents in their local community to present alternative views and is generally free. It is now the only window left for serious, truth-seeking viewers. Talk to Fred about how you can be part of this nationwide network of people and organizations that are airing relevant films on their local television stations.”
—————————————————————————————————–
Khalil Bendib’s work can be viewed at www.bendib.com and www.studiobendib.com; his radio program at www.kpfa.org/archives
Ramzy Baroud
Author, Syndicated Columnist and Editor of the Palestine Chronicle
Endorsement of the televised film series,
“America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect”
Fred Shepherd, Executive Director of Global Information Services (GIS), is leading a serious, meaningful, and most importantly consequential national and international public television media campaign to reach out to millions of American and international viewers on a regular basis. His film series “America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect” television campaign harnesses the power and outreach of public access television stations across the US to reach viewers nationally and internationally via Internet TV (ITV), in ways hardly done before. True, media activists have used public access TV and sometimes effectively so. However, Mr. Shepherd’s persistence through his global campaign, includes 23 film titles that contain 30+ bonus films (total of 50+ hours of content) on Palestine and Israel, makes his efforts most significant by far. His work is hardly the feel-good-in-the-moment kind, but truly significant and ever-lasting. The status quo of preaching to the choir is simply not working . . . it is now time for decisive action supported by the participation and cooperation of individuals and organizations throughout America.
With such films as Palestine Is Still The Issue, Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land, The Killing Zone, The Right of Return, The Loss of Liberty, Life In Occupied Palestine and many others, GIS introduces and familiarizes millions of Americans and the larger global audience with almost entirely alien subjects, that break the hegemony over the narrative, controlled and defended so fiercely by mainstream media and Israel’s apologists.
Supporting Mr. Shepherd’s efforts is a must for everyone who aspires for balance, and ultimately wishes for peace and justice in Palestine.
—————————————————-
Ramzy Baroud is an author and syndicated columnist. He is also the editor of the Palestine Chronicle (PaelstineChronicle.com). His latest book is the Second Palestinian Intifada: A Chronicle of a People’s Struggle (Pluto Press, London)
Jeffrey Blankfort
Host of public affairs programs in San Francisco and Mendocino County Endorsement of the televised film series,
“America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect”
June 26, 2007
Many of you may not be aware of the ongoing television campaign, “America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect,” begun by Fred Shepherd, Executive Director of Global Information Services, that is now in its third year and reaching more viewers every day. These films on nationwide public access television stations (PATS) are providing hundreds of thousands of people across the country with an accurate view the of the Israel-Palestine conflict that one will not see on network television or PBS. Unlike PBS television, these 23 films (with 50 hours of content) cannot be censored by PATS in your communities.
Major films such as “Palestine Is Still The Issue,” “Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land,” “The Loss of Liberty,” “The Israel Lobby Debate,” “The Killing Zone,” “Right of Return,” “Edward Said: On Orientalism,” “Interview: Ilan Pappe,” “Refuseniks” and many more (23 film titles on 24 DVD’s which include another 30 bonus films totaling roughly 50 hours of content) are being aired nationwide and worldwide every day . All films come with authorization from the producers, which allows for unlimited broadcasting on PATS.
The newest film in the series, “The Israel Lobby Debate,” which occurred in San Francisco on February 22, 2007 will also be included. Participants in the debate were: Dr. Hatem Bazian, Dr. Steve Niva and Dr. Stephen Zunes, and myself with Khalil Bendib as moderator. This debate was both unique and historical while addressing issues that, as we know, are seldom discussed.
It is time that we look for new activities to promote the Palestinian cause beyond those in the choir who need no further convincing and one way is to get these important films in front of the larger public. To learn how easy and effective this campaign is and how you can get these films televised in your area, contact Fred Shepherd, Global Information Services at 336 Bon Air Center #441, Greenbrae, CA 94904 415-459-8738
altencon@aol.com http://www.palkqed.com/.
Please participate and forward this information to others who you think will join the nationwide network of sponsors.
Jeffrey Blankfort
John Pilger, Author and Filmmaker
Endorsement of the televised film series,
“America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect”
“Global Information Services, led by Fred Shepherd, is to be congratulated for such an imaginative, tenacious, necessary and, above all, principled campaign to utilize public access television stations and persuade public broadcasters in the United States that they have both a duty and a responsibility to show all sides of the conflict in Palestine.
My film, Palestine Is Still The Issue, shows many sides; it is neither anti-Arab, nor anti-Jewish, but pro-justice. It puts forth the little-heard case that the Palestinians are a deeply and unjustly treated people, victims of an occupation declared illegal many times under international law. And yet most of the people appearing in the film are Israelis, some of them extraordinary, such as Rami, the father who lost his daughter in a dreadful suicide attack. Listen to him, and you will realise just how restricted has been the debate on Palestine. The Israeli settlers are given their say; the Israeli Government spokesman is the longest interview in the film. And the Palestinians you hear are voices of humanity and reason.
The Independent Television Commission, the regulatory body in Britain, examined my film minutely and concluded that it was “fair and balanced” and “expertly researched” and “made with integrity”. That PBS still has not shown this film is shaming, and I call on its professionals to reconsider.”
John Pilger
Washington Report on Middle East Affairs
Endorsement of the televised film series,
“America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect”
The Washington Report has been asked to publicize this important campaign in hopes that our readers will sponsor a film series on their local Public Access TV station or include these films in a local film festival. While the AET Bookclub carries many of these films, this particular offer and idea (23 DVD’s with over 50 films covering over 40 hours of contents is $179) is too important to pass up!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Film series,
“America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect”
Contact:
Fred Shepherd
Global Information Services
336 Bon Air Center, Suite 441
Greenbrae, CA 94904
415-459-8738
altencon@aol.com Web site: http://www.palkqed.com/
Films Series for Public Access Television, PBS, Film Festivals, et al
Please volunteer to be a sponsor. This is an opportunity to educate and inform members of communities nationwide by showing documentaries about the conflict between Israel and Palestine at local Public Access Television Stations (PATS), PBS stations, film festivals, churches, schools, video sales, rental stores, private gatherings and other appropriate venues. The current emphasis is on PATS.
The films we are distributing, as shown below, convey the story in such a compelling manner that viewers will become more informed and engaged and include authorization from the Producers. Tania Ussher at Granada America has verbally approved “Palestine Is Still The Issue” for airing on public access television and it may be shown on PBS, and elsewhere as shown above.
PATS do not view and/or censor films. The primary requirement is that one have originals (not copies) of the films. Simply contact your local PATS, tell them what your goal is and they will provide details. All PATS are similar with some idiosyncrasies. To ensure maximum exposure on PATS, most will allow the films to be broadcast on a regular and recurring schedule.
This effort is in addition to encouraging PBS to air “Palestine Is Still The Issue” and “Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land” as well as others and is another means of reaching beyond the choir with a program that is organic and sustainable. Current film schedules are at http://www.palkqed.com/.
Please volunteer now, forward this information to others and support the producers by purchasing their films for the stated purpose as well as gifts for friends and “others” who may benefit from them. These films have a life of their own and work 24/7 when in circulation. All current and future films are available from Global Information Services and contributions are welcome as we are doing pro bono work and seeing lots of red ink. Thank you.
Contact: Fred Shepherd, Executive Director, Global Information Services, 336 Bon Air Center, Suite 441, Greenbrae, CA 94904. Email:
Altencon@aol.com; phone: 415-459-8738.
http://www.palkqed.com/. ALWAYS LOOKING FOR MORE GOOD FILMS!
WE PROVIDE OVER 50 FILMS ON 23 DVD’S WHICH CONTAIN OVER 40 HOURS OF CONTENT) ON DVDS WITH AUTHORIZATION FOR PUBLIC ACCESS TELEVISION, PBS, FILM FESTIVALS AND OTHER VENUES.
Hussein Ibish, Executive Director
The Hala Salaam Maksoud Foundation
Endorsement of the televised film series,
“America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect”
Film Series: “America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect”
Hussein Ibish on airing films on Public Access Television:
“I think it is a brilliant idea that promises to make use of existing opportunities that are there with local cable access channels and existing structures where people have been putting together documentaries and filming lectures and discussions. The material is there and more will be generated through this project and shared so that we can pool our efforts and combine our resources and have a much more powerful voice in city after city across the country. I think it is a fantastic idea.”
Hussein Ibish is Executive Director of the Hala Salaam Maksoud Foundation for Arab-American Leadership and Senior Fellow at the American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP). 815 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 2006 http://www.halafoundation.org/.
The Power of Television:
A compelling testimonial from an anonymous
American female who periodically travels to Israel
For years, I’ve been visiting, researching, writing and talking about Palestine and Israel. My family has never been terribly interested. I’ve brought home documentaries, written emails, and attempted conversation about the topic, but I could never get them interested. My current work focuses specifically on the wall Israel is building in and around the West Bank of Palestine. The most conscious I ever got my parents to be was when I begged them to host a Palestinian friend whose life has been devastated by the wall. Still, they didn’t ask many questions or show much interest. Hopeless, I thought.
Until this Christmas. I actually had a documentary in the VCR for a week straight, constantly prodding my father: “Want to watch it now?” He was never interested. I left my parents’ house to spend some time at my sister’s place. A week later, my parents joined us to celebrate the holidays. My dad said rather nonchalantly, “Now, can I ask you a question.” Cautiously (my dad has been known to engage me in debates during which he repeats neocon political lines of reasoning), I invited the question, “Okay…” “So, this wall Israel is building”…he began. I almost dropped to the floor with shock. For years, I have been pushing to open this conversation, and now he started it. All my work focuses on this wall, and finally he wanted to know about that to which I was a dedicated student. What miracle was this?! I asked him why the sudden interest. He told me that a documentary about the wall was on television last week – San Francisco’s public access television station Channel 29. Television! I’m his daughter who brings pictures, video footage, and personal stories home all the time, and yet never could I interest him. A lesson learned: the TV holds more authority than do I. More questions followed over the coming weeks, to which I’d respond for 20 minutes. Then a new subject. A few days later another question. He is thinking for the first time about a place that is so conflict-ridden and absolutely central to the instability that defines an entire region of the world. If he thinks about it more, if he learns from more documentaries on public access television and elsewhere, he’ll begin to see that the situation is really quite comprehensible. And his knowledge can help us all think about ways to move towards a better world.
Thank you Fred for your work! It’s changing lives.
US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation
Endorsement of the televised film series,
“America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect”
Occupation End Notes, January 10, 2008 Volume 5 Number 12
in this issue…
3. MEMBER GROUP UPDATE:
* Global Information Services Media Tool: Use your Local Media Stations!
Stop complaining about media censorship! There is an easy solution to the censorship of information about the conflict between Israel and Palestine and its dire global consequences. This solution is in the form of over 50 hours of relevant films that are authorized and available for nationwide broadcast on over 2,500 television stations and other venues. These films deliver powerful historical and critical information to large, “non-choir” audiences who have seldom, if ever, been able to access content such as this is due to censorship by virtually all other media. To begin the process, simply contact Fred Shepherd, Global Information Services, 336 Bon Air Center, #441, Greenbrae, CA 94904, phone 415-459-8738 or
Altencon@aol.com. We are available 24/7.
Some of the films included in the series are “Palestine Is Still The Issue,” “Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land,” “The Loss of Liberty (Israel’s attack on America’s USS Liberty Ship in 1967),” “Right of Return,” “Ilan Pappe,” “The Pro-Israel Lobby Debate” and “Edward Said: On Orientalism.” Complete details of the process, films, etc. will be sent to you upon request.
Occupation End Notes, November 10, 2005 volume 3 number 3
in this issue…
3. Member News Global Information Services, Greenbrae, CA
Our mission is to provide education and information about the conflict between Israel and Palestine by helping communities establish a presence at their local public access television stations by airing the film series, “America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect.” This is an opportunity to educate and inform members of communities nationwide by showing documentaries about the conflict between Israel and Palestine at local Public Access Television Stations (PATS), PBS stations, film festivals, churches, schools, video sales, rental stores, private gatherings and other appropriate venues. The current emphasis is on PATS. The project has already seen tremendous success. To find out how you can get involved, visit Global Information Services.
HENRY NORR
Truth About the Middle East By Henry Norr
Berkeley Daily Planet
Edition Date: Friday, November 18, 2005
<!–[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]–><!–[endif]–>
Endorsement of the televised film series,
The conflict in Palestine and Israel is surely one of the best documented in human history. Every twist and turn in the struggle has been recorded and analyzed in scores of books, articles, websites, and films.
The problem is that hardly any of this information, except what the corporate media choose to present, gets to the average American.
In Berkeley, however, that’s no longer completely true. Since late last month Berkeley Community Media has been running a series of top-notch documentary films that offer a critical perspective on Israeli policy, and a sympathetic look at the travails of the Palestinians, on B-TV Channel 28, one of the two local public-access television channels the non-profit group operates. For those who have Internet access but no cable subscription, the shows are also streamed from the Berkeley Community Media website, http://www.betv.org/.
Among the movies in the series scheduled to run this weekend are:
* Palestine Is Still the Issue, an overview of the conflict by the award-winning Australian-British journalist John Pilger. (Next showing: Saturday, Nov. 19, at 7 a.m.)
* Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land, an analysis of the way the mainstream media typically distort the issues, by the Media Education Foundation. (Saturday, Nov. 19, at 5:40 a.m.)
* Wall of Shame, a 2003 look at the wall Israel is building through the West Bank (Friday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m.)
Other titles shown previously include the acclaimed Hijacking Catastrophe: 9/11, Fear and the Selling of American Empire; The Loss of Liberty, a recent look back at the 1967 attack by Israeli forces on the U.S. Navy ship Liberty; and interviews with Israeli nuclear whistle-blower Mordechai Vanunu, historian Ilan Pappe, and UCSF Professor Jess Ghannam, a leader of the Bay Area’s Palestinian-American community.
In addition, Ch. 28 is currently showing extras from the DVD versions of Hijacking Catastrophe and Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land, including extended interviews with Noam Chomsky, Palestinian leader Hanan Ashrawi, Village Voice journalist Alisa Solomon, Rabbi Michael Lerner, and British author and Middle East correspondent Robert Fisk.
For complete scheduling information, go to www.betv.org, click on the “B-TV 28″ link, then on “Schedule.” Unfortunately, there’s no weekly programming grid; click on the calendar to get the schedules for upcoming days.
The showing of these films on public-access TV is an outgrowth of a grass-roots movement that began in 2003 to get KQED-TV to air Palestine Is Still The Issue. Despite a sustained pressure campaign that included such innovative tactics as projecting the film on the outside wall of the station’s San Francisco headquarters, KQED executives have steadfastly refused to show the Pilger film, but as a sort of consolation prize they did run Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land in 2004. (For more on the campaign, see http://www.palkqed.com/.)
In the wake of that semi-success, one of the campaign’s leaders, Fred Shepherd of Global Information Services in San Anselmo, came up with the idea of assembling a series of films on Palestine and related issues that could be shown on public-access TV channels. He has so far collected 11 [now 23] films that can be broadcast without paying fees (thanks in some cases to special permissions Shepherd secured from the producers).
I submitted the full set on DVD to Berkeley Community Media, which has done a great job getting them on the air. Meanwhile, Shepherd and other activists have arranged to get them shown on public-access channels in other communities, including San Francisco, South Marin County, Novato, and Oahu.
Getting movies like these shown occasionally on public-access TV is no substitute for what we really need: media that would routinely tell the truth about what’s going on in Palestine, Iraq, Haiti, and other world trouble spots. But given the increasing corporate control of the mainstream media, it’s remarkable that it’s at all possible for ordinary citizens to get critical perspectives on the air at all. In that sense, my hat is off to Berkeley Community Media, and I hope many Daily Planet readers will take advantage of the rare opportunity the group is currently offering to learn more about the Middle East.
(If you’d prefer to obtain the films on DVD, for your own use or to send to a friend who will submit them to a public-access station in another community, contact Shepherd at
altencon@aol.com or 415 459-8738. Individual titles cost $15 to $25, and the full set is available for $179.)
Former San Francisco Chronicle reporter Henry Norr has spent three and a half months in Palestine over the last three years.
WRMEA Article (December 2005 Magazine – Vol. XXIV, No. 9)
Endorsement of the televised film series,
“America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect”
CNIF Newsletter November 18, 2005
Endorsement of the televised film series,
“America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect”
Council for the National Interest Foundation
1250 4th Street, Suite WG-1
Washington, DC 20024
202-863-2951
CNIF is working with Global Information Services in Marin County/San Francisco Bay Area to bring a very special series of films (America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect) to the American public. We will be seeking sponsors and programming for public access television stations across the country. This new endeavor is all part of our effort to educate the American people and provide them with information they cannot get elsewhere.
Eugene H. Bird
John Pilger, Author and Filmmaker
Endorsement of the televised film series,
“America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect”
“Global Information Services, led by Fred Shepherd, is to be congratulated for such an imaginative, tenacious, necessary and, above all, principled campaign to utilize public access television stations and persuade public broadcasters in the United States that they have both a duty and a responsibility to show all sides of the conflict in Palestine.
My film, Palestine Is Still The Issue, shows many sides; it is neither anti-Arab, nor anti-Jewish, but pro-justice. It puts forth the little-heard case that the Palestinians are a deeply and unjustly treated people, victims of an occupation declared illegal many times under international law. And yet most of the people appearing in the film are Israelis, some of them extraordinary, such as Rami, the father who lost his daughter in a dreadful suicide attack. Listen to him, and you will realise just how restricted has been the debate on Palestine. The Israeli settlers are given their say; the Israeli Government spokesman is the longest interview in the film. And the Palestinians you hear are voices of humanity and reason.
The Independent Television Commission, the regulatory body in Britain, examined my film minutely and concluded that it was “fair and balanced” and “expertly researched” and “made with integrity”. That PBS still has not shown this film is shaming, and I call on its professionals to reconsider.”
John Pilger
KQED’s diverse and freethinking programming apparently suffers a blind spot when it comes to Palestine. In spite of thousands of requests by viewers, KQED has censored and will not schedule the award-winning documentary “Palestine Is Still The Issue”, by filmmaker, journalist and author John Pilger. Pilger, an Australian, has received numerous awards for his groundbreaking work. This year alone he has been awarded Britain’s prestigious EMMA multicultural award and Norway’s Sophie Prize for his “integrity, thoroughness and courage&for the protection of the powerless”.
Why the censorship?
KQED Executive Vice President John Boland explains KQED must focus on “providing quality journalism that informs and educates from&reliable sources” rather than program “in reaction to one interest group or another”. The much acclaimed Pilger film more than meets the “Boland Test”, and that many people want to see it weighs even more against censorship.
Rather than contributing to the unfortunate fact that in the United States there is a poorer understanding of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians than in the rest of the world, KQED should strive to provide balanced information so that Arabs and Palestinians are not demonized, facts are not distorted, understanding not undermined and an informed America cannot be manipulated to its and the world’s peril” such as being told the invasion of Iraq was the key to peace in Palestine.
As a publicly supported television station KQED’s responsibility to the community is to present diverse views that open our minds.It should not succumb to internal or external pressure to censor material that might expose a special interest group’s views to the scrutiny of daylight. We urge you to ask KQED through phone calls, emails and letters to end its censorship and fulfill its mission: to be “a vital source for quality programming and thought-provoking information”.
SEND THE MESSAGE to KQED Board Chair James Canales (
jcanales@irvine.org/415%20553-2205), CEO Jeff Clarke (
jclarke@kqed.org/415%20553-2301) & Executive VP John Boland (
jboland@kqed.org/415-553-2820).
SEARCH AND INFORM yourself at web sites such as guardian.co.uk; jewishvoiceforpeace.org; ifamericansknew.org; commondreams.org and palestinemonitor.org; mecaforpeace.org; pilger.carlton.com.
Zulfiqar Ahmad, Nautilus Institute*; Basil Ayish, Video for Peace; Khalil Bendib, cartoonist; Dennis Bernstein, KPFA; Marsha Feinland, State Chair, Peace & Freedom Party; Jess Ghannam; David Glick, Board Member, Social Justice Center of Marin; Bluma Goldstein; Susan Green; Mona Halaby, Susie McLean & Cathy Shields, Joining Hands; Barbara Lubin, Middle East Children’s Alliance; Tom Miller, General Counsel, Global Exchange; Innosanto Nagara, DesignAction; Marc Sapir, MD, MPH, retropoll.org; Fred Shepherd; Alison Weir, If Americans Knew *Partial list. Organizations listed for identification purposes only.
Jewish Voice for Peace
Endorsement of the televised film series,
“America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect”
Date: October 2003
From: Josh, Jewish Voice for Peace http://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/
Subject: Re: Hold KQED accountable to the community
Hi Nabila,
Just wanted to chime in & say that the American Jewish community is far from Homogenous, and we are (thank g-d) not all silent. Below is the letter sent to KQED from JVP. Many of us called in to Boland and Dwyer, and sent individual letters, as well.
Solidarity,
Josh
Dear Mr. Boland:
Jewish Voice for Peace is a Jewish community organization, representing over 100 members and more than 2500 supporter [Now over 8,500]. As Directors of the Board, staff and members of JVP, we are writing to encourage you to air the documentary, Palestine Is Still The Issue, directed by John Pilger. We have viewed the film, and feel it is an important, factual, and balanced work, deserving of the attention of KQED viewers and subscribers, which many of us are.
Too often, Americans see only a particular view of the history of the Israel/Palestine conflict. This view regularly depicts suicide bombers and speaks of Palestinian terrorists. Rarely do we learn of the events and desperate conditions which surround the suicide bombings, and create a breeding ground for such horrific acts – Israeli targeted assassinations which kill and maim innocent bystanders (including children), closures which prevent parents from working to support their families and children from attending school, daily acquisition by Israel of Palestinian farmland and water sources, home demolitions which create homelessness, ever-expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza, humiliation at endless checkpoints, the rounding up of Palestinian men and youth for “administrative detention” without charge or trial. These daily events characterize the Israeli occupation. Israel is entrenching this occupation through the construction of a security fence,” which in actuality is a wall of concrete, steel and barbed wire which is cutting through the West Bank, separating farmers from their lands and family members from each other.
“Palestine Is Still The Issue” presents a balanced view of this ongoing crisis. Far from being one-sided, it includes statements from the wide variety of Israelis, from peace activists to Government officials. It is meticulously researched and is on solid factual footing. Both sides’ views get a clear hearing in this film. In the morass of propaganda and vitriolic statements from both sides, it is a clear and sensible presentation of the history of the conflict and its present day effects.
It has come to our attention that certain organizations are demanding that you not air Palestine Is Still The Issue, and claiming to speak, in part, for the Jewish community. As proud Jews committed to a just peace in the Middle East, we assure you that many Jews wish to see such a solid piece of journalism on this issue be aired. We urge KQED to air Palestine Is Still The Issue and commit to stand behind KQED, should you choose to do so.
Phil Greenspan
Endorsement of the televised film series,
“America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect”
Public Access TV Can Fill The Void
By Philip Greenspan
(Swans – April 10, 2006) If a charismatic firebrand emerged on the scene as a presidential contender with an attractive new party, swept his entire party slate, Senate and House, to victory on Election Day, he would still be stymied, provided, of course, that our public servants fulfilled their obligations, which they sure as hell are not doing now. The checks and balances of the Constitution prevent a hasty wholesale seizure of governmental authority and power. Two-thirds of the upper legislative branch and the entire judicial system are holdovers. Two years must elapse before another third of the Senate is up for election. Within that time the glow of the firebrand would probably have dimmed and another legislative sweep would be unlikely. As to the judiciary, judges do not retire too readily. Before a majority, five judges, gets picked for the Supreme Court and the Senate must approve each one, many years pass.
No charismatic firebrand arose during US history. However, the trauma of 9/11 combined with the languor of the nominal opposition party and the judiciary has produced an improbable outcome: effective control of the country by one man. A dummy — manipulated by ruthless and unprincipled advisors who respect no laws — now rules the country, commands the military, and scares the hell out of the rest of the world.
Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, the third president of the United States, and a philosopher of liberty, democracy, and government had many things to say and write about the importance and the influence of a truthful news media. With the checks and balances no longer functioning, Tom might have thought a fourth branch of government, the news media, would restore what was lost. Today the major media can no longer be considered an honest dispenser of important news — it never was, but was definitely better than it is now. Rather than a dependable check on government it has become its accomplice and purveyor of its propaganda.
But the media’s failure to function responsibly does not refute Tom’s premise. I believe he was right when he claimed, “Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government. Whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.” The major media have not merely failed but have deliberately sabotaged the people’s right to know.
Intelligent people have always been aware of the deficiencies of the major media and have prudently sought reliable information from books, the alternate media, documentary films, and recently from the Internet. I have relied on each of those sources for many years. I search out books and documentary films by competent and honorable authors and producers on subjects that have aroused my interest; I subscribe to a few favorite periodicals; and I visit certain Websites regularly.
My trust in a Website prompted me to advise it of what I considered a significant transgression by a prominent organization. My trust was vindicated by their competent reporting of what I disclosed. The Website was Swans.com; and that incident led to my joining their team of correspondents. As I write, I realize how remiss I have been in not supporting Swans financially. As soon as I finish this session at the computer I will draw a check and send it to Swans. If you’re a regular Swans reader and like what you’ve been getting, why not do likewise?
Unfortunately, most of the public does not know how or is too busy or too lazy to get hold of trustworthy news. To the rescue come the activists, people who not only protest the wrongs that exist but enlighten the uninformed and unconcerned. The antiwar group that I belong to distributes pertinent news items to passing motorists and pedestrians at its weekly vigils. We write letters to the editor of the local newspapers. Many groups schedule lectures, discussions, films in libraries or other public buildings, and publicize them.
I am one of those activists who seeks to inform the uninformed. I purchase films, schedule them at libraries and other public locations, and publicize them on posters, through listserves and by word of mouth. While I have been satisfied with each scheduled event, I always hoped for a more sizeable turnout.
Most people get their news on television. It’s easy. They don’t have to travel to a lecture, theatre, etc., and watching TV is easier than reading a newspaper, a magazine, or a book. I was therefore excited when, in browsing the Internet, I discovered that several excellent films were available at a nominal cost and had been approved for showing on citizen access television. I promptly contacted Fred Shepherd, the chap who gave me the lowdown on how I could program those films on a local cable channel.
Fred got very angry and took on this task when he realized that even public broadcasting stations refused to show highly regarded but controversial films. Quite likely it’s pressure from influential and wealthy contributors who censor what the public has a right to and should be seeing.
Rather than reluctantly accepting this wrongful situation, Fred set up a far better film series than what PBS turned down, eleven films that portray the plight of the Palestinians. He secured permission for their showing on public access television from the producers. Such well known and highly regarded films as “Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land,” “Palestine Is Still the Issue,” “The Loss of Liberty,” and “Hijacking Catastrophe” are included. (More details are available at http://www.palkqed.com/.)
Here is a golden opportunity to bring these films to a large audience! Viewers can see them in the comfort of their home on their favorite medium. With a good publicity campaign it is possible to corral a substantial number of viewers.
Every Sunday morning over the next eight weeks, I scheduled five of Fred’s films, as well as five films of a local producer, on a local channel. Each film will be shown on two consecutive Sundays. To bolster the audience I will publicize the showings throughout the listening area.
What I did was easy; with a little effort anyone can do it. Fred has laid the groundwork and will assist anyone who is willing to try. Give him a call at (415) 459-8738, or send him an e-mail at
altencon@aol.com.
Become an activist. Get the truth out to the public who are too lazy, busy, or tired to do it themselves. You’ll be amazed how much satisfaction you will get from accomplishing a task like this.
April 11, 2006
FROM: Philip Greenspan
Hi Fred,
As you well know from our conversations, I am eager to provide the public with a dependable source of news.
Over the years the quality of news published by the major newspapers, and by the radio and television networks has deteriorated. With the demise, consolidation and conglomeration of many news sources, competition has disappeared.
There still are reliable sources that one can tap–books, alternate media, the internet–but to get it requires a desire, motivation, time and effort. The general public with many other priorities just accepts the easily available garbage. As a result they are ill informed. A dangerous condition because the citizenry can be conned into supporting ill conceived policies. Exactly what is happening today.
As an activist I knew that the myths disseminated by the major media had to be exposed by providing the public with a convenient access to the truth. But how?
You, Fred, came to the rescue with quality films that can be shown on public access television. I was so excited with the tools you provided me with–films, advice and encouragement, that I had to write about it in detail and have it published. You can find my essay at
http://www.swans.com/library/art12/pgreen86.html.
Kindest regards.
Phil Greenspan
“Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land”
MEF on how to televise with the film series
“America, Israel and Palestine: Cause and Effect”
Getting Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land on Community/Public Access Television
By Andrea Wozny
Most people are unaware that you can get independent films shown on their local community or public access channel. While each community/public access station has its own rules and regulations for broadcasting material, most stations run their material on a first-come, first-served basis. If you provide your station with a copy of the video, the station will typically air the film during the earliest available time slot. In some instances, the station may require that you or someone else in your community “sponsor” the video to ensure that the content does not represent the views and politics of those running the community/public access station. MEF cannot legally endorse the broadcast for you.
You may also ask your station to purchase the video by directing them to our website . But, regardless of how you get the film to the station, there should be almost no problem getting it shown. Community/public access cable stations are ardent supporters of first amendment rights and, in most cases, have no reservations about showing Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land.
If possible, ask your station to air Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land on a regular basis in order to ensure maximum exposure. If you can afford to advertise, download the poster and use it to advertise the screening time. Likewise, you might consider organizing a house party around the community/public access screening. Finally, it’s always a good idea to send out an email reminder to friends, neighbors, and family in the area to get the word out about the broadcast time.
In order to find the contact information for your local community access station or the nearest local access station in your area, send an email to
government@alliancecm.org . For more general information about community/public access television go to the Alliance for Community Media website at http://www.alliancecm.org/ .
For assistance with getting Peace, Propaganda & the Promised Land and other films on your local cable access station, contact:
Fred Shepherd
Global Information Services
altencon@aol.com http://www.palkqed.com/
415-459-8738