Pope's Calls Highlight Gazan Christians, Not US Arms Fueling Conflict
The Independent breathlessly reports on Christmas at Gaza’s sole Catholic church, featuring rocket strikes, prayer, and nightly calls from the Pope. A heart-wrenching narrative, indeed. Yet, like a magic trick, it diverts the eye from the simple fact that the 'rocket strikes' are often precision-guided munitions courtesy of US taxpayers. While the Pope offers spiritual comfort, the US Congress
just approved another $14.5 billion in military aid to Israel (H.R. 7217, 2024), ensuring plenty more opportunities for churches to demonstrate their resilience. One might wonder if any of The Independent's 'insightful' reporting will ever connect the dots between the devastation described and the billions in weapons flowing from the very same nations that then express profound sadness over
civilian casualties. It's almost as if the suffering is framed as an act of God, rather than a policy choice made by politicians—many of whom, like Senator Chuck Schumer, received robust donations from organizations like AIPAC (over $1.5 million since 1990 according to OpenSecrets.org), pushing for unconditional aid. The faithful endure, while the arms dealers prosper. A modern Christmas tale.