Mani,
I think it is alarming when a publicly elected representative preaches racial purity. But again, Zionism is racist by definition. As far as it being more alarming than something else, you just made that up not me.
You mean religious purity. I never understood when the word race and racism is mentioned in regard to Mid-East, since the Jews (those who came from the area, not those who converted to Judaism somewhere in Russia), Palestinians and their other neighbors are if anything, of the same race or a racial group. Aren't they all called Semitic people?
Anywey, I wish there was an easier way out, but if there is not, partition, separation of groups to me seems like the least bad solution, compared to status quo, or things that will obviously not work (or take generations to achieve).
The solution must start with both Arafat and Sharon being removed from power. Those two are nothing but gutless cowards with no respect for human life. They are both documented war criminal and history will remember them as such. The solution is much easier than most imagine if the leaders and their popularity does not thrive on hatred.
I speculated on that in my reply to Ted: Message 17303688 that one way out is if leaders like Reagan and Gorbachev emerged, but I think the chances of this happening are slim in the near term.
Having said that, I don't think we will ever see eye to eye on this and I don't think continuing this conversation is fruitfull. I am responding because you asked specific questions.
I understand that. I still welcome your posts on the subject, the reason is that even though I have an opinion on the subject my confidence that I am right is not very strong. I have never been tested in an argument by anyone who could present the anti-Israel arguments in an intelligent way. I know I have holes in my knowledge of the area and its history, so there may be things I am wrong about.
Joe |
