I'm finding many of the posts on this thread genuinely helpful in helping me understand how Israel was able to reposition itself, with the end of the cold War, to keep all that lovely US Foreign Aid money (and of course, the diplomatic support) flowing.
I'm thinking that Israel (or rather, it's right-wing leaders) can guarantee not only to be a pro-US presence in the Middle East, but also to make sure the Middle East remains in a state where it is no threat to US interests.
Honestly, up until quite recently, I didn't really think these things. However, some of the posters on here have provided a really striking insight into the use of, and thinking behind, political rhetoric.
I doubt very much that I am alone in this experience.
Our political leaders may well be largely in thrall to US power but I think their electorate - people like me - are experiencing an absolute shock; and a horrified awareness of how little our sense of justice is finding an expression in the actions done in our names as citizens.
I believe there are a lot more people reading these threads than posting, and they are mainly like me - I really am a very, very ordinary mother.
I have been discussing the situation with people in my street, with people I meet in various activities I attend, with friends - I have met with nothing but horrified agreement - and all of us saying we want some kind of action.
I'm saying this because I feel I am part of a silenced majority.
So, yes, I will be boycotting. I will be demonstrating.
And my disgust is now heavily directed towards US domestic and foreign policy that allows this atrocity to continue.