A Question for Mr. Pipes

Submitted by Arnie Kramer (United States), Jan 10, 2003 at 10:55

Dear Mr. Pipes:

Firstly, thank you for your untiring efforts to restore facts, morality and decency to the so-called "marketplace of ideas."

Secondly, this article was an excellent essay on the American -- Saudi relationship. I only wish that you or some of the hotshot investigative reporters that litter the media would be able to present a more fully documented account of public officials and ex-public officials, what they did for the Saudis and what they received in return. it would especially be interesting to learn whether ex-Presidnt Clinton and ex-President Gore were "bought" by the Saudis and, if so, for how much and in exchange for what. Too, it would be interesting to get some sense of where the current range of democratic candidates stand on this. I realize that -- in many or most case -- the payoff comes at the end of service but --still --it would be interesting and helpful to gain insight into this.

Lastly, I was curious what your opinion is regarding the increasing tension between the Israeli Armed Forces and UN personnel as represented most recently by the death of a UN staff person shot by the IDF in Israel this past November (I think). Whenever I read newspaper accounts of these types of incidents, somewhere in the article there is mention of Palestinians working as part of the UN personnel. This makes me suspicious as to the neutrality of the UN mission and of the origin of these Israeli -- UN conflagrations. Also, of course, while Israel is routinely faulted in the media stories for not allowing ambulances in to areas where the troops are engaged for fear of bombs hidden in the vehicles, the UN personnel frequently still expresses "outrage" at this standing Israeli policy. I wonder if you will be writing any articles on this or related topics anytime soon.

Thank you, again for your efforts. I wish you continued strength and wisdom.

Sincerely yours,
Arnold Kramer

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