The flotilla are not intending to travel to Israel. They intending to travel to Gaza. They have the consent of the elected government of Gaza. They are bringing medicines and other medical equipment, educational equipment, builiding equipment, and food.

The right to Life liberty and happiness - does not mean the right of US authorities to kill, conquer and oppress people be they in Texas, Afghanistan, or elsewhere.

I would be surprised if any one on the left is is pro burqa or pro Chador.
Both are hideous garments that seek to deny the humanity of their occupants.
I personally would prefer women to choose to wear a scarf, hijab or the ilk.

What I like however is irrelevant.
However if certain women wish to look hideous it is their right to do so.

Funny kind of "dictatorship" Venezuela is
people are free to protest for , or against the government
USA is free to help organise and fund the opposition
There are cities, states, and territories under opposition control
75% of media under the control of forces either critical or openly opposed to the government

Calling all Republicans, Democrats, Liberals, Christians, Muslims, Hindus etc who want peace
Peace must be an issue for everyone - The left Included

The left only dominate theAnti-war debate because they are fully committed to ending the war - while too many of the others go about wishing, praying and hoping.

If it were not for communists, left wing pastors, and their collegues, there would have been no 60's peace movement, and the Vietnam War would have dragged on even longer, homosexual practices would still be a crime, blacks would still be denied their votes, & Washington would still turn a blind eye to regular KKK lynchings.

What about having some right wing think tank calling out : Exploitation yes! Extermination No!
or defend America but dont bomb the planet?

The Left welcomes liberals, conservatives and reactionaries alike ( from whatever creed they follow) in their campaign against the endless slaughter engaged by the USA and others.

As a member of the Aussie Chapter of the Chavez fan club, I would like to point out the following facts. Since 1998 Venezuela's poverty rate has halved. People there have access to free comprehensive heathcare, free education (including tertiary), subsidised food, subsidised fuel, & subsidised housing. Venezuela has not invaded any nation. Has no death penalty. Has a constitution developed democratically and is supported by 75% of the population. Has overcome a US supported fascist coup attempt and a lock-out with the support of sectors of the army, and millions of Venezuelans.

The trouble with Venzuela's president is this he regards Venezuela as an independent nation, and not as a puppet of Washington. Wheras, my country's leaders, (ie Australia's Prime Ministers) always go the way with the White House. Whether it is run by a Democrat or Republican.

Whilst Venezuela's popular president, Hugo Chavez supports the struggle of the Palestinian peoples against the oppressors from the regimes in both Washington and Jerusalem. He is not directly involved in their struggles.