Sunday, November 05, 2023
It’s Getting Ridiculous
As in all times throughout history, there is war somewhere in the world, and seldom (never?) in just one location. Along with war, there is the usual widely-distributed injustice and oppression happening somewhere as well. People can (and should) hold a blanket disdain for bloodshed but the odd event of our time is the focused attention to one relatively tiny (so far) confrontation.
If a war involves the U.S. or Israel, one can expect the usual crowd to whip up frenzy in the world’s capitols. The current Israeli/Palestine horror show didn’t occur because Israel decided to start picking on a random location. If I recall, Israeli citizens were brutally attacked by a savage terrorist organization that has wide support among the Arab populations of Palestine and the region. Repelled by Israel’s “lack of a proportional response” is like complaining about the Pacific war against Japan…after their government bombed Pearl Harbor.
Yes, a cease fire would be nice. Reduced casualties on all sides, ideal. But, let’s not pretend that a radical Muslim terrorist group was not responsible for initiating current events in the region.
Like any conflict that spans the ages, partisans can claim initial virture. Just pick the period that best shows your side in a positive light.
It would be transparently dishonest for anyone to claim that anti-semitism isn’t a factor in the mass, well-organized, protests currently taking place. To be sure, “right wing” politics has a long history with the anti-semitism plague. But, it might be more accurate to note that extremist — authoritarian — politics is the true culprit as current attacks on Israel and the Jewish people are overwhelmingly fermented by the extreme left. Coincidence or otherwise, those most passionate in their hatred of Jews and Israel are typically not very fond of America either.
The leftist worldview primarily spins on the belief in an oppressor and an oppressed. They’re driven by a need to prove moral perfection. They will never see themselves as “oppressor” (even if their ideology has resulted in deaths and oppression of millions).
For what it’s worth, I’m half Lebanese but I “identify” as American. I feel no need to think that some genetic similarities should drive my ideological allegiances.
I “get” some of the stereotypes directed at Jews — affinities for business, banking, and domination of certain industries (eg. entertainment). Carried to exaggeration and we get, “greedy” and “they stick together.” To me, it looks like a mass exercise in psychological projection. Add envy and you get the ridiculous unfounded attacks on people that share traits with all of us. I’ve liked Jewish people I’ve known. A stereotype that holds true is a pronounced drive for academic success. I don’t care if someone becomes successful and excels in creative and intellectual realms. I actually admire those traits.
The current conflict taking place in Israel/Palestine is tragic and holds potential dangers to the world but let’s not pretend that bitter violent groups that seek a nations complete destruction have somehow earned sympathy as the latest figurehead in contrived victimhood.
