January 12, 2006

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

How do you think Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon’s stroke and his subsequent loss of power will affect Middle East peace plans? How do you feel about Pat Robertson’s statement that Sharon’s stroke was the “wrath of God” due to his removal of Jewish settlements in Gaza?
(Asked at Almaden Center)

“I think that continuing with Sharon’s leadership to deal with the Palestinians already has changed. He gave up his hard-line stance for a more moderate stance since [the Jewish settlements were removed from] Gaza. Now there’s lots of uncertainty over who will replace him. So there’s lots of uncertainty as far as the peace process going forward. I don’t know much about his second in command. Pat Robertson’s statement was totally irresponsible and reprehensible and un-American. His statements are not representative of the American people, and he should be ashamed of himself as a minister.”

Frank DeLuna, 56
Almaden
Retired


“I feel that we have to wait for their elections [in March] to see who wins. I pray everything goes well for both the Israelis and the Palestinians. My hope is for peace. As for Pat Robertson, he shouldn’t make such comments. He has no right to make them especially if he is portraying himself as a man of God.”

Danny Aulman, 57
Almaden
Retired


“I think it’s bound to have an impact. There will be mourning and regrouping. Things change, and whenever one of the chief negotiators is taken out of the game, the game changes. Oh yes, Pat Robertson, I think we should file all of his comments away in the ‘not to be taken seriously’ category.”

Vicki Simmons, 50+
Almaden
Self-employed


“I think it will hinder the peace talks because communications have been cut off between the two parties, and when that happens it will make it harder to produce positive results in negotiations. I didn’t hear him [Robertson] say that.”

Tim Ramon, 20
Santa Clara
Sophomore at San Jose State


“I’d like to be optimistic but I think it’s just another upset in the entire business. Any sudden upset in the Israeli government is not a positive thing. Pat Robertson’s statement is just silly. I could say something else [about it], but it’s not very nice.”

Heather Johnson, 42
Almaden
Homemaker


“I don’t know, the whole thing is very sad. I think it’s sad for the country [of Israel] because it could be a big setback. And, it’s very sad that Sharon is suffering. I don’t want anyone to have to suffer like that. [As for Pat Robertson,] I’m a Christian and I don’t think like that. I think things like that [the stroke] happen to everyone. I don’t think God works that way at all, and Pat Robertson should know better than that.”

Terri Edgmon, 49
Blossom Valley
Almaden Research Center at IBM


“I don’t really know [what’s going to happen], and I’m torn between thinking change is good and change is really scary. I think Pat Robertson does not have God’s ear any more than any one else, and he should keep his opinions to himself.”

Kelly Yamanishi, 40ish
Almaden
Homemaker


“Sharon has worked a lot to get peace. I’m afraid that whoever follows him won’t have the same commitment to peace. I would like to know how Pat Robertson knows it’s God’s wrath. I don’t think God would do such a thing.”

Sue Sherrin
Almaden
Homemaker