January 8, 2009

StreetTalk by Carol Rosen

Last week the Israelis started bombing targets in Gaza, which they said were housing rocket launchers that Hamas has been using to bomb Israeli cities. What do you think about this current conflict and what do you think, as a U.S. citizen, should be done?
(Asked at Sonoma Chicken Coop at Old Almaden Plaza)


“This is a problem that has gone on for a long, long time, centuries in fact. As a U.S. citizen, I think the United States should support Israel financially and diplomatically if they need it, but we should stay out of the fight.”

Peter Contini, 43
Almaden
Pediatrician


“I believe that it’s certainly complex and I don’t think there’s an easy solution between countries where religious principals clash. I think Israel is in a position now that they have to eliminate the threat to their population. They tried diplomatically before and it didn’t work. There have several reports today that Hamas has been shooting rockets toward Israeli cities from a school. The Israelis should go in and stop the bombs.“

Mike Montanari, 61
Almaden
Project manager


“I think we should continue to support Israel because they are our allies and no one else supports them. I think it’s ridiculous that people don’t complain about Hamas shooting rockets into Israeli cities.”

Rich Hockett, 38
San Jose
Student


“Israel has a right to defend itself, how far that right extends I’m not sure. What would the United States do if a faction in Mexico starting shooting rockets into the United States? But the Israelis should be careful not to hit innocent children. It’s difficult to take out an enemy that hides in the civilian populace, the Israelis need to be precise and sure of their targets, but they do have the right to protect themselves and their land.”

Steve Burchfield, 45
Almaden
Salesman


“If it rids the world of terrorism, I believe it’s a good thing. But if it’s political then it shouldn’t be happening.”

Conoway Gothard, 49
Almaden
Construction


“If someone is throwing rockets in my neighborhood, I would want the authorities to do something until it’s stopped. The United States should support Israel diplomatically and unless another nation in the Middle East joins the conflict, the United States should not get involved militarily.”

Brian Lombardo, 37
San Jose
Life Insurance


“It’s very interesting and I’m very conflicted. Israel has the right to protect their state from incursions by Hamas, but it’s the Palestinian [civilians] that are being made to suffer as well as the militants.”

Maureen Leach, 58
Almaden
Retired nurse


“As a U.S. citizen I believe we should keep our nose out of it and let Israel clean it up.”

Richard Parsons, 67
San Jose
Retired