January 13, 2006

StreetTalk by Carol Rosen

How do you think Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon’s stroke and his leaving government will affect Middle East peace plans? How do you feel about Pat Robertson’s statement that Sharon’s stoke was the “wrath of God” caused by his removal of Jewish settlements in Gaza? (Asked at Starbucks at Tully and Capital)

“I hope it won’t affect the peace talks at all. Pat Robertson’s statement was mean!”

Monica Diaz, 37
Evergreen
Owns Phat EFX hair Salon


“Good decisions might not be made. The next person in power might not be as good as Sharon.”

Michael Simonis, 17
Evergreen
Senior, Silver Creek High School


“In terms of Israel, they’re going to have an interesting follow-up election and it probably will be with tremendous American influence on the candidate. I think Pat Robertson’s comment was religious propaganda against Judaism. I find his comments to be short sighted and wrong.”

Huntly Gordon, 18
Evergreen
Freshman, San Jose State


“Obviously, Sharon’s illness will increase the instability because he has been a major force in Israel during his tenure as prime minister. There’s no one in line behind him with his kind of experience. Pat Robertson is an idiot. He’s opened his mouth and said multiple foolish things. He should know better.”

Douglas Day, 57
Evergreen
Math, English and social studies teacher, Overfelt High School


“I don’t know that Ariel Sharon was able to keep his citizens together as a united people. So maybe a new person in charge [who can unite all the Israelis behind him or her] might be more beneficial. I think Pat Robertson’s comment was uncalled for and it was not the right thing to say. The poor man [Sharon] is fighting for his life and people shouldn’t be making comments like that.”

Alice Moyco, 49
Willow Glen
Office manager in Evergreen


“Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll ever see a complete peace in the Middle East in my lifetime. In order to establish peace and to maintain peace in the Middle East, both sides have to compromise. Because I’m Muslim, I think everything happens for a reason. But I don’t think the two [Sharon removing the Jewish settlements and opening up Gaza to the Palestinians] are connected.”

Saleha Perzada, 20
Evergreen
Sophomore, De Anza College