According to the definitions found in Meriam-Webster, Oxford Reference, and Britannica, dictionaries, the definition of the word intifada is: an armed uprising of Palestinians against Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

            According to those sources many people assume, incorrectly, that intifada is an invitation to an uprising in the United States.

            Since the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, there has been a growing level of public protests in the United States.  A few of them are in support of Israel but most in support of Palestine.  Some people have been hurt, plenty of distrust has been sewn, and much damage has been done. 

            Closing down roads, bridges, tunnels, train stations, airports, and other public access points is testing the patience of many.  It is also serving few as more and more people grow wary of the way protestor's messages are conveyed.

            Peaceful protests are protected in the First Amendment of the Constitution.  Non-peaceful protests are not.  Chaining yourselves together or sticking your hands in cement to make the job of clearing the public access-way harder only makes one look foolish and does nothing for the cause.   

            The latest anti-Israel protesters' action, earlier this week, was to vandalize and deface the Los Angeles National Cemetery, where nearly 90,000 veterans, from World War I through Vietnam, are buried.  Among other acts, one vandal painted "Free Gaza" with an upside down red triangle on the entrance to the cemetery.

            Americans are split on whether or not to support Israel's actions against Hamas since Oct. 7.  Americans are split on the level of the warring action.  Many agree that the casualties are too high.

            But, raising the level of hate in our Country will not gain much support for the protestors and may even hurt their cause.  Damaging businesses and private and public property is not the way to earn support.

            The decisions are made in Washington, D.C.  If you want to get the attention of national lawmakers and other political movers and shakers you need to knock on doors there.  Threatening, harming, and generally making life harder for Americans who are trying to just get by is not the way to endear them to your cause.  They do care.

            It is also not the way to get your message directly to those who are in power to make national decisions.  How many protestors have contacted their government official with their concerns?  How many protestors know who their representatives or senators are?

            And, why hide your face?  If you believe in what you are doing and not ashamed of your actions stand up and show yourself.  I've never witnessed a veteran or scout troop hide their face while marching behind old-glory in any parade.

            Respect is a two-way interaction.  You have to give it to get it.  Better yet, earning it goes a long way in promoting yourself.