There is, unfortunately, a very specifically Muslim context to Hamas’s attack. Though, on the barbarism theme, that Islam sanctifies the pastoralist synthesis (polygyny, kin groups, raiding) is very much connected.
I read your essay, and I found it very subjective. Your quotations are all from specific side. For instance "Over a girl without a head scarf. Over who was toughest and most important." This is a rude and shallow perspective. As as far I know same is true for Jewish fundamentalist people. Most of the wig in the world is sold to Israel since it is kind of a sin to show hair for ladies if they are married. (Netflix - Unorthodox recommend you to watch) So mentality is same on both sides. Powerful religion, powerful man.. The problem is if Palestinian people vanished from Gaza somehow Jewish fundamentalists will also find some other enemy to argue or get in war with. If the religion can get out of the equation then they could find a common ground I guess. Rigid mindness is every where. Their conception of God is, for both sides, are like Hitler: angry, punishing, and privileging some group. So here Jewish fundamentalist need a big big mirror to see that Gaza is their reflection and same vice versa. I wish I had a magic wand and take out all the smart good hearted people and kids out there and leave the rest with their psycho God conception.
There is no good side here, don't try to push it please does not sound fair.
As those among us who have lost connection with their true nature - unconditional love, understanding, wisdom, and common sense – and with callous disregard, brutalise and murder their fellow humans, I ache with the pain of horror and despair. John
Yes, what Hamas did is absolutely indefensible. But I fear that the author, by seeking out and emphasizing what a few crazy apologists have said to rationalize such behavior, tends to misrepresent the overall sense of revulsion shared by nearly everyone on the planet.
Will we see a similar column highlighting the way Israel has locked up and mistreated the population of Gaza for decades? Perhaps expressing concern over Israel's already ongoing slaughter in response to this recent attack? If we want to highlight the voices of murderous extremists, there are also many on the Israeli side who would wipe out everyone living in Gaza with absolute glee, and who aren't shy about saying so.
JdL, I would love to be wrong. I agree that the majority is revolted but as we will see in an upcoming essay, “only four in ten 18-29 year old Americans have a negative view of Hamas.” Our educational system is rotten and our future at risk.
Does Israel have extremists. Of course, but they don't set policy and what does that negate in my essay?
As for your questions. With respect to you (I mean that) they remind me of the almost constant comments I used to get on every essay, What about Trump? Surely, you realize an essay is not a book. I wrote in the first paragraph that the plight of the Gazans weighs heavy on me too.
My concern is that the atrocities recently committed by Hamas have blinded many to the atrocities being committed on the other side, as we speak. They become rationalized as "self-defense" when they're clearly not. Anything which aids in whipping up hysteria saddens me. Perhaps it's wrong of me to classify your column that way; if so, my apologies.
Why are the actions of Israel in response not self-defence? Are they indiscriminately and gratuitously targeting civilians? From what I see they are warning the people to evacuate while Hamas tells them to stay. I wonder why? Any collateral death is a tragedy, but can’t be called a war crime or atrocity. Show me an ‘atrocity’ that is even the slightest bit equivalent to what Hamas did.
It isn’t just Hamas and leftists who are sick of Jew propagandists infesting every level of the U.S. government, Christian Zionist churches, corporations and NGOs.
There is, unfortunately, a very specifically Muslim context to Hamas’s attack. Though, on the barbarism theme, that Islam sanctifies the pastoralist synthesis (polygyny, kin groups, raiding) is very much connected.
https://www.lorenzofromoz.net/p/hamas-displays-a-muslim-way-of-war
Lorenzo, I appreciated your illuminating essay. Thank you.
Dear Barry Brownstein,
I read your essay, and I found it very subjective. Your quotations are all from specific side. For instance "Over a girl without a head scarf. Over who was toughest and most important." This is a rude and shallow perspective. As as far I know same is true for Jewish fundamentalist people. Most of the wig in the world is sold to Israel since it is kind of a sin to show hair for ladies if they are married. (Netflix - Unorthodox recommend you to watch) So mentality is same on both sides. Powerful religion, powerful man.. The problem is if Palestinian people vanished from Gaza somehow Jewish fundamentalists will also find some other enemy to argue or get in war with. If the religion can get out of the equation then they could find a common ground I guess. Rigid mindness is every where. Their conception of God is, for both sides, are like Hitler: angry, punishing, and privileging some group. So here Jewish fundamentalist need a big big mirror to see that Gaza is their reflection and same vice versa. I wish I had a magic wand and take out all the smart good hearted people and kids out there and leave the rest with their psycho God conception.
There is no good side here, don't try to push it please does not sound fair.
University of Baltimore graduate (MBA),
Canan (Jhanon)
Thanks for sharing your ideas, Jhanon.
I am in sympathy to your observations about human nature.
My essay tomorrow morning essay takes no sides. I will be interested to read your thoughts.
Dear Barry,
As those among us who have lost connection with their true nature - unconditional love, understanding, wisdom, and common sense – and with callous disregard, brutalise and murder their fellow humans, I ache with the pain of horror and despair. John
Very well said, John. Thank you
Yes, what Hamas did is absolutely indefensible. But I fear that the author, by seeking out and emphasizing what a few crazy apologists have said to rationalize such behavior, tends to misrepresent the overall sense of revulsion shared by nearly everyone on the planet.
Will we see a similar column highlighting the way Israel has locked up and mistreated the population of Gaza for decades? Perhaps expressing concern over Israel's already ongoing slaughter in response to this recent attack? If we want to highlight the voices of murderous extremists, there are also many on the Israeli side who would wipe out everyone living in Gaza with absolute glee, and who aren't shy about saying so.
JdL, I would love to be wrong. I agree that the majority is revolted but as we will see in an upcoming essay, “only four in ten 18-29 year old Americans have a negative view of Hamas.” Our educational system is rotten and our future at risk.
Does Israel have extremists. Of course, but they don't set policy and what does that negate in my essay?
As for your questions. With respect to you (I mean that) they remind me of the almost constant comments I used to get on every essay, What about Trump? Surely, you realize an essay is not a book. I wrote in the first paragraph that the plight of the Gazans weighs heavy on me too.
My concern is that the atrocities recently committed by Hamas have blinded many to the atrocities being committed on the other side, as we speak. They become rationalized as "self-defense" when they're clearly not. Anything which aids in whipping up hysteria saddens me. Perhaps it's wrong of me to classify your column that way; if so, my apologies.
Why are the actions of Israel in response not self-defence? Are they indiscriminately and gratuitously targeting civilians? From what I see they are warning the people to evacuate while Hamas tells them to stay. I wonder why? Any collateral death is a tragedy, but can’t be called a war crime or atrocity. Show me an ‘atrocity’ that is even the slightest bit equivalent to what Hamas did.
The options Israel faces are all terrible.
My next essay, now scheduled for Thursday, I hope will erase your "perhaps."
No they aren’t it’s free the people of Gaza or face extinction.
It isn’t just Hamas and leftists who are sick of Jew propagandists infesting every level of the U.S. government, Christian Zionist churches, corporations and NGOs.
Yes the Star of David is the new Swastika.
What’s a horror is Jew loving Zio shills like you making excuses for the Warsaw Ghetto conditions.