About the shministim: OK, obviously I have a lot to say about it.
All in all, I think that giving 2-3 years from your life to improve your country when your 18 is an excellent idea. Especially when the country is young and need all the help it can get and you get to learn a lot and grow the fuck up while doing so, which happens. That's the socialization in Israel, and sometimes, when I hear 28 year old overseas students in my campus I'm shocked to hear the how immature the seems to me. So the problem that some Shministim are using the movement to to the whole "hell, I don't want to give anything back and do what's good for me" agenda. Especially the girls, who 80% of them are gonna to clerical work in a base in Tel Aviv, let's face it.
Now, as for the IDF. Yes, it's doing immoral things. But, we need an army. I believe in making the society of my country as less militaristic as possible, and giving the option to do a volunteering year(s) instead (I did mine before army service, and trust me, I didn't kill anyone while serving). But they don't offer any alternative. What if every single 18 year old will decide not to enlist? Will they stand aside while their family might get hurt?
I believe in a change within the system. I know the 2 years I did in the army were pretty much pointless, and I did a lot more for my country in the few months of volunteering year. But take my sister as an example: a commander on the border with Gaza Strip, and I guarantee you she saves lives everyday, on both sides, while risking her own. And she's within the system.
All in all, the Shministim aren't giving an alternative, only getting the problem worse: and misusing the name of the original Shministim letter, who really was justified IMHO. I just believe that a real change has to come within the system itself.
All in all, I think that giving 2-3 years from your life to improve your country when your 18 is an excellent idea. Especially when the country is young and need all the help it can get and you get to learn a lot and grow the fuck up while doing so, which happens.
I do find the idea of National Service - particularly social work - appealing, for the reasons you outline. I'm not trying to suggest that there are any quick fixes, or that this is a simple situation - and certainly I don't mean any disparagement of you or your sister. Obviously I don't know any of these kids personally - perhaps, as you say, they are just being selfish and cowardly. Perhaps I'm being gullible in believing their sincerity.
Now, as for the IDF. Yes, it's doing immoral things....I just believe that a real change has to come within the system itself.
Do you have any thoughts on how this might be achieved? (Not trying to be combative or sarcastic here - hope that's clear! But I'm interested in your perspective.)
Interesting, funny, and sad column on losing money with Madoff.
The Bag Lady Papers
All in all, I think that giving 2-3 years from your life to improve your country when your 18 is an excellent idea.
I shocked the heck out of my family when I suggested the US do something like this, since I'm the pacifist in the family, and I was advocating using the military. I think it would help bring the nation together, give folks a common bond, and help break up the "I'm in my own world and that is all that matters" that seems to be plaguing our country. Whether it's military or a domestic Peace Corps kind of thing, either way, something that helps teach discipline, basic life skills, and following orders, that will benefit the country. Even if it's, as Shir said, being a clerk on a base somewhere. Alas, folks here in the States equate that to the draft, and god forbid we draft folks again.
perhaps, as you say, they are just being selfish and cowardly
Oh, no no - most of them are doing this for moral reasons. Though some of them aren't.
Do you have any thoughts on how this might be achieved?
Yes. Government has to give a choice between national and army service with the same benefits (while giving the army the personal it still needs, of course). On the greater level? Hoping that all the sides would negotiate at some point, hopefully while I'm still alive. I'm so tired of the worrying and the useless killing.
Speaking of Gaza,
Gaza groups will not renew truce
Peace~ma to Gaza, and Calm & safe~ma for your sister, Shir.
Thanks, omnis. The poor thing gets 1-3 hours of sleep at night these days.
Although sometimes I think I'm clever when I joke about my things I have no choice in.
But I say things about myself that I would beat someone else down for, too.
My brother's job just became insecure. Which might not be noteworthy now, except for the fact that he's been carrying my father for seven years.
Yes, my dad is such a fucker he's been making noises about firing blood.
God, I hate when people are petty. One of my favorite patrons at the theatre called to give an extra donation to his usual donation (in this economy!) and specifically said that it was because of four people, including me. The Development assistant sent us and her boss and email letting us know what he said, which was very nice. Her boss replies:
I'm only slightly offended that he didn't cite the private pride night I catered myself for him & his friends. Personally. from choosing his favorite cheeses & dips & sweets presenting them lovingly on platters paired with his preferred wines- & buying it all... sigh... But alas-glad to have the additional donation & know that he is fond of [theatre] staff.
WTF? Like you just can't be happy that he's complimented us? Here's a thought - he knows that you're Director of Development and it's your JOB to suck up to patrons. We are nice to him because we like him.
