Shir, since it does bother you I won't post further on the subject. But I do want to explain why I criticize Israel more than other parties, just so you know it is not done as an attack. 1) As a Jew, I grew up identifying with Israel, raising money for it, cheering its victories. Self destructive behavior on its part bothers me more than on the part of nations I have no emotional attachment to. 2) As an American, a citizen of Israel's closest ally, and major provider of aid to Israel, I have more responsibility for what Israel does than for any other nation. There are other reasons, but I won't go into them further. But I just wanted you to understand that my criticism of Israel is a matter of love and responsibility, a desire to see Israel survive and do the right thing, and a desire to see my nation stop encouraging Israel to take the wrong path. Don't know if it helps or not, but sometimes knowing motives does help. I will also note that maybe there is a double standard against Israel worldwide, but in the U.S. the double standard is in the other direction. A lot of the things Haaretz prints as op-eds would be labeled Anti-Semitic in U.S. In fact I remember at least one ex high-ranking IDF war hero attacked in the U.S. press as an Anti-Semite. (And not somebody turned pacifist: I don't think the positions he took were outside the mainstream of Israeli society, albeit at the left end of that spectrum. )

It's been a long time I'm claiming my country, and perhaps most of the world has PTSD, judging by the way it's reacting. Unfortunately, I can't see U.S or U.N as good therapists for this.

You know, I just five minutes ago read this very thing. Synchronicity.

We interupt this episode of Current Events to bring you this special announcement:

HaPpY BiRtHdAy MIRACLE MAN!!!!!

We now return you to your regular broadcast schedule.

Thank You. Good Luck. And good night.

Sweet! Happy birthday, Joe!

ion, I have finally collected The Cat Daniel from cat prison, where he proved once again that he is a strange and unfriendly beast with poor social skills and a deep-seated mistrust of strangers. And cages.

sigh

He yelled all the way home. You'd think he'd been living on dust and ashes and chased by dogs for the past 3 weeks, rather than being looked after by nice professional people in a clean, friendly environment.

The other kitty being collected was good as gold.

I had this sudden insight into how it feels to be a parent meeting their kid's teacher. Like, a crappy insight, obviously, but still. Why won't my boy play nicely, and be well behaved like the other kids?

Now we're home he's all purry and affectionate.

sigh

Happy Birthday Miracle Man! May your zombie robot army thrive and grow strong.

Happy birthday MM!

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Shir, since it does bother you I won't post further on the subject

Humm, where did I write that? I'm sorry if you got that impression. Trust me, it's not your posts that bothers me as much as the situation.

And look. It doesn't matter to me where are you from, who you are and what's your faith and background. As long as you're posting rational arguments I can understand and relate to (and obviously this subject matters for the both of us, enough to write long posts about it) and don't offend me in anyway, yay posting. Unless anyone else here is bothered by this conversation.

However, now I'm curious - what is "the right direction" in your opinion?

Edit: Israel says it's willing to discuss with Hamas on the base of the Egyptian truce suggestion!

Oh, sweet sweet bubble. Please don't burst in my face.

Peace ~ma. I hope the truce happens very soon. Random note, my 16yo has taken to concluding his conversations with "peace" both in text messages and in person. His use of the word and the way I hear it may differ, but it is a nice thought to put out there on a regular basis.

Happy Birthday to Miracle Man!!

Happy Birthday, MM!

gently fans peace~ma at the little spark of hope for a truce.

Laura, from the 16yo's fingers to God's ears.

Hippo Birdies, MM! May your day be relaxing, satisfying, and tingly in a good way.