Tax-funded parachute drops on rescue missions in Gaza remind one of another intervention by Trump during a crisis.
In September 2017 when Puerto Rico was hit by Hurricane Maria and left in ruin, its infrastructure was rendered useless and its people were in dire straits. Trump visited, arriving armed with paper towels that he lobbed at the desperate islanders. An embarrassing display by an insensate leader.
Our dangerous parachute drops seem almost as useless as those paper towels. They create chaotic scrambles to get the packages. Some drops have injured and killed people—with little to show for their efforts.
To halt the callous genocide taking place in Gaza, the gates must be opened. The armada of trucks carrying food and supplies needs to enter the area.
Opening the gates like those once opened at Dachau and Auschwitz would expose the inhumane genocide taking place. It would bring to light Israel’s systemic use of starvation as a weapon of war—an international crime.
It’s not possible to be on both sides at the same time. Support the Gazans or continue backing Israel with money and weapons.
Parachute drops play well as propaganda. They disguise the fact that our continued support remains in essence our part in the war, by proxy, against Gaza.
It’s not a matter of backing Israel or Palestine but denouncing the brutal treatment by Israel of Palestine. Should the situation be reversed, I’d support the Israelis and call for an end to their suffering. It’s barbarous genocidal treatment of any peoples that I abhor.
Shirley Schaffer
Arroyo Grande
This article appears in Aug 28 – Sep 7, 2025.