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.
Vortex, that's a startingly petty and assy way to behave. Shame on him!
