Emile,
THERE IS ONLY ONE sure antidote to totalitarian danger: To fight all aspects of totalitarianism in all the parts of one's society and to follow always the dictum of Socrates that the unexamined life is not worth living; and therefore with the utmost freedom and without fear of any blackmail to examine everything in the light of a universal concept of justice, applicable equally to all human beings.
I couldn't agree more. What about you? Have you applied the dictum of Socrates to your own beliefs?
The ADL is an extremist organization. To be branded a propagandist by such an organization is a compliment, just as it would be to be so branded by white supremacists. Surely you aren't saying that the opinion of ADL, or JDL, or any such organization, is representative of the American media. How odd that awareness of Israel's abuse of the Palestinians is so much stronger among liberals than among your Christian conservative brethren.
BTW, I can particularly recommend a book called "The Gun and the Olive Branch", forget the author, but he was a British Correspondent assigned in the Middle East for many years. Admirable history, excellent scholarship; you'll like it, as much of what he says supports your views.
I still don't understand how disapproval of Israeli activities in Palestine translates into the vitriolic attitude you often express toward the Jewish faith and Jews worldwide. Personally, I disapprove entirely of Israel's position, and I would love to see the US use its aid program as a lever to force Israel into a more humane position. That disapproval does not mean I can't understand the fear and desperation that made those Jews believe that what they did was necessary for their own survival. But wait a minute... aren't compassion and understanding supposed to be Christian virtues?
Steve |
