I normally try to respond to comments, but I'm nine months pregnant right now and likely to go into labour at any moment (yes, today is my due date). I wrote this a few days ago and it felt good to get off my chest. The version on my Substack includes a lot of videos and links, for anyone who wishes to go look. Sending love to everyone. Am Yisrael Chai.
Brief update for those interested -- our daughter arrived safely and everyone is healthy etc. She was due on October 7, but arrived 8 days later on October 15 (at 8 pounds 8 ounces). She was also born with a caul; my water didn't fully break so the amniotic sac was still on her head when she emerged. It's incredibly rare, and apparently many cultures consider it a sign of good luck. Her name is Rachel.
(Just to spoil the magic, while our midwife, who is Metis, was going on about the mythology of cauls etc, my husband blurted out "It looks like she doesn't have a face!" to which I deliriously freaked out, "She doesn't have a face?!" We also didn't ask to keep the caul, which I kind of regret now, but I was very busy being happy that nothing was wrong and she did, in fact, have a face).
Good luck and יהוה's blessing, I have experienced the same thing as you.
When in my work community 4 years ago they were talking about the Jews, and they were sorry that Hitler didn't finish what was left without doing, and now, it should be finished. I asked that you start with me. The whole room fell silent because they knew I wasn't Jewish.
This was 4 years ago, and the speech rhetoric has only gotten worse. There is so much ignorance and lies, there is no way correct them, let alone have them listen to it. The initial reasons have already evaporated from people's brains. thanks to the media. As if Israel is not allowed to defend its own sovereignty. Israel has to accept, even with the UN decision, that the terrorists will destroy the Jews. No one remembers what it meant, never again. Don't want to remember.
We met folks on line at the airport. They were from Lebanon. They quoted Al Jazeera. When I said Al Jazeera is an antisemitic news org, the wife said, No, they're not.
When we told them what our friends in Israel reported to us they said we are believing propaganda. We said, Are you telling us our Israeli friends are lying?
There is no discussion with this mind set. They accuse "us" for what they are doing themselves.
Thank you for this painfully truthful piece. What rings in my ears “what is wrong with you” A question that so many of us are asking, whether Jews or supporters of you. It appears to be a plague of ignorance, spreading like wildfire! The hell of this and the effect on the Jewish people must be appalling! You do, however, have faithful support and we thank Israel for fighting this war for us in the west as well. I do believe that you will come through this. 🙏🙏
Thank you for your support. Yes, Israel is only step one. The radical Islamist barbarians, if ever successful with Israel, would turn to the rest of the West next. They have already infiltrated so much of Europe. The West must stop allowing the emigration of Muslims. Enough is enough. If they show they are capable and willing to assimilate into Western culture (and that doesn't meant they can't eat and worship as they like, but the must adopt our values. Period. AND, the West must stop being so isolationist.
Meghan, I hope you personally feel better writing this article cuz the crazies aren't interested in hearing from you. I suggest, as best you can, feel some compassion for their fanatical disease, and move on. Find something that feels uplifting and brings you some joy- service, meditation, singing, massaging your husband, or better yet, ask him for a massage :) Engage your energy elsewhere cuz they ain't listening
Although I read the essay somewhere else originally, reading this thread was so delightful on this sad anniversary day, Dr. Ron and writer and hubby. Medicinal herbalist and shepherdess down here in the sticks. Bringing new life into the world. Blessings, and wonderful delivery from a distant midwife.
"The Diaspora Intifada is attempting to enlist those who prioritize empathy (typically liberals and progressives) onto their jihadi platform. It bypasses facts and reason and pulls at heartstrings, drowning the new recruits in an empathy swamp of toxic antisemitism.
By all means, hold a vigil and be sad for ALL people who have died if you like. But chanting “Intifada” and “by any means necessary” are genocidal calls for mass murder, the exact opposite of the empathy you claim to champion.
Palestinians are not “resorting to violence” but waging a war to destroy the Jewish State. They have long desired a region free of Jews and support the murder of Israeli civilians. You are either for such proposition or against it. You are either reactively sad about death or proactively urging for mass genocide."
Article proposes excellent action items to Intifada the intifada ✡️🇮🇱✡️ Worthy reading !
And rest easy that they are still really fringe on the left. Normal Americans don’t support or protest terrorist groups at all.
I would, however, like to see Jewish organizations or Jewish Studies programs stepping up to counter the pro-Hamas occupation lie with the actual truth. It seems obvious that the Israel as usorper and oppressor couldn’t have taken root if we’d lobbied hard to require that seniors in high school do a unit on history of the region, history of ancient & modern Israel & its wars & explain that a Palestinian is a manufactured ethnicity never adopted by the “Palestinians” until the 1960s when the Russians rebranded them because they’re very good at narrative warfare.
I’m suggesting that teach history and truth about Israel and the region before kids reach college will inoculate them against adopting the Russian’s Israel-Palestine lie & becoming a pro-Hamas, keffiyah wearing ignoramus sign holding ghoul at college.
Great analysis and thought- filled article. I wish you joy with your new baby. The “Palestinian” grads at our daughter’s MBA graduation here in the Midwest chose to make an inappropriate and loud demonstration after the ceremony out in the hall. They only made themselves look and sound like primitive animals. And fools. Definitely fools.
I’ve noticed this – the inappropriateness of trying to politicize every event. It goes over big on campus where the sophomoric mindset is prevalent, but among adults I imagine it turns more people off than wins supporters. I’m waiting for the backlash.
Primitive is a good word. They have yet to join the 21st century. I would settle for the 20th. At one time the Arab world was at the forefront of medicine, astronomy, math, philosophy. What happened to them? Radical Islam I suppose. All religion taken to the extreme is a negative influence. It's no different than a dictatorship that seeks to control its own people (turning them into a cult) and which in the end turns toward controlling the rest of the world.
Meghan, take a rest. October 7 was a blessing in so many ways. 30000 people made Aliyah. Countless unaffiliated super assimilated Jews came “home “. And now we know who our friends are and who they aren’t. So enjoy (?) your new healthy baby and know that your friends are keepers. And don’t waste your time/ love/ energy on the riff raff
A blessing?! Yeah maybe not so much for the rape, murder and kidnap victims on October 7 and everyone who's died since. A blessing perhaps for Netanyahu and co who the war provides a nice way to avoid accountability for years of pure incompetence and policy explicitly designed to funnel Qatari money into Gaza in exchange for quiet. A blessing for the average Israeli, yeah not so much. Seriously, saying stuff like this is not that dissimilar to Hamas explicit aim of October 7 goading Israel into war which they know will kill Gazan civilians and provoke sympathy in the west. Think.
Also all this crazy amount of antisemitism puts a spotlight on how important it is that Jews have a homeland. If people have a problem with “start up nation” , they have a problem with Jews.
Meghan, I wish you an easy delivery and lots of joy in your baby when it arrives. FYI, I met a fascinating couple on the Burrard Bridge last night at the community’s rally in support of Israel and in memory of those we have lost. Neither of them were Jewish, but both have been super supportive of the Jewish community. Their grown-up daughter in the US read her father’s pro-Israel posts on social media and ghosted both her parents. It has been heartbreaking for them. The mother told me that, growing up in Germany, she was thoroughly taught on how never again to drink the Kool-Aid, but only now that she is living through this experience does she fully understand the process of indoctrination and how the Germans succumbed to it. SO many families are experiencing these fissures. So many friendships have been destroyed. The heart has a lot to weep about today, but you take a break from it all and concentrate on your growing family, okay?
Thank you Megan for your brilliant article.....I think you're being extremely nice with these pro Palestine activists .....it would be great if they would stop listen to all the lies, and start learning some history......l Shana Tova.....hope you have an easy delivery of your baby !........congratulations to you and your husband Zach......all the best.....
Many years ago I learned of the Arab proverb: "you kiss the hand, you cannot bite" which aptly describes their thought process ... across the board. I would pull the plug on all assistance (Iran and Qatar are incredibly wealthy as are many Arab nations -- let them come to the aid of their brothers. Jews certainly do.) Save all that innovation, development, discovery, construct for Jews: such a small dot in the sea of humanity (and yet we pose such a danger that it enlicits murderous intent on a continuing basis -- which leads me to ask: why are "they" so afraid of us .. could it be the revenge of Ishamael?) This has been a very sad year for Jews, but hopefully lessons have been learned, not to be forgotten. We have learned we are alone (for the most part: the support of the U.S. Christian community has been a revelation and welcomed), resilient and strong ... We Shall Overcome!
Re Christian support - yes the evangelicals specifically support Israel because they believe something like all the Jews have to return to Israel before the second coming can happen. But after that if you don't convert to Christianity you are damned to hellfire for eternity. I'll take the support for now, because it's useful . . . but I don't trust them.
When first I saw this, I examined the meaning ... and I concluded that weakness to the Muslims is viewed as a flaw and the subject is open to disdain and of course, worse. When the subject displays strength, then the other party becomes a supplicant. My take: no more cheeks ... just do what it takes to get the job done .... whatever it takes. And if the world does not like it .. tough: let them all become dhimmis in this new world.
Every best wish and prayers for your pending motherhood. And, more prayers that your children will find a kinder world due to you and others speaking out about pure evil and hatred. Thank you.
Writing your article is a novel form of pain control during childbirth. Foremost best wishes for a successful delivery and good health to mother and baby. Your article is logical and passionate. BUT even if read by the pro pal or antisemite, they are unlikely to “convert”. This is because they are sadistic - a response to their own inadequacies. Trying to change them means you take away their (one?) little pleasure to see others desperate to validate their existence and persuade for truth and knowledge. They will not give up their pleasure. Every time someone pleads the truth to them or gives them room with empathy, or they see you squirming in failing to convince, “ding” off goes their dopamine to gratify the pleasure centres in their brains. And they keep going back for more. So don’t give them the response they desperately seek themselves to validate their own existence. When the university students go pro-pal demonstrating, all I see are entitled brats who hate their studies and wish they were somewhere else. They are also probably incapable of writing more than their three word slogans without the use of AI. So they are university failures. And they probably know it. That is why they have to compensate for their self-realised inadequacies. Their behaviour is inversely proportional to their ability to reason. What a waste they are. Educating people who are not even willing to see different perspectives is overrated because they don’t want education. I don’t say don’t educate, but perhaps do not have high expectations.
Still no baby yet ... waiting, waiting. Thank you for the kind wishes. I knew this about a lot of the activist-types, and have known for a while (I was influential in the woke Canadian literary scene for a while and had lots of experience with how insane and abusive some of them could be well before all of this ... I basically quit my job and ghosted the scene in 2019-2020 because I couldn't handle how toxic it was anymore). What's upsetting me now is that many people I thought were more reasonable and empathetic now seem to have lost their minds. They got so much worse during Covid, and I want to look for external explanations? Too much Internet while in lockdown? Increased drug and alcohol use? Poorer diet? Masking all the time cutting off oxygen to their brains? Lingering inflammation from Covid infections and/or vaccines? But it's more likely this was always there, and I just tend to see the good in people, until I can't anymore.
I completely agree re projecting their inadequacies ... the most toxic woke people I know are would-be writers and artists who are not particularly successful (or talented). They try to bully their way into the fame they desire. I've also noticed there's a lot of former "gifted" kids and straight-A students -- people who were told they were smart and special in high school, but aren't living up to expectations in adulthood. It makes sense they'd go after Jewish people, bizarrely talented and smart and successful as you tend to be. Hitler was a failed painter, after all.
This is actually a subject I've looked into quite a bit:
Fascinating about the "failed painter" syndrome -- my new name for those who are jealous. Rounds out my theory: 1) you have the identification of the "other" - in terms of evolution it was important to recognize the other which could be potentially dangerous for survival. The Jew is the perfect "other." 2) you have the scapegoat; this concept has been around since ancient times, where you place your sins on the goat and thereby purify your community. The Jew is the perfect scapegoat. (This is why Jews are blamed for a whole host of things that are inherently contradictory and which actually depict what the accusers are ashamed of in their own lives / societies). 3) Jealousy, or the "failed painter" syndrome as you have so eloquently described. 4) I also wonder if the woke youth (or anyone for that matter) are in search of a good cause; not that society is perfect but we Boomers did a damn good job with civil rights / women's right / gay rights. Seems they have to go back into history and try to make us feel guilty about the past -- because the present is pretty good?
I am not sure I would call us "bizarrely talented and smart and successful as you tend to be". We are no different than any others except perhaps in our stubborness to survive and our resilience. But thank you for the compliment nonetheless.
A beautifully crafted letter that is very likely never to be read by those who should read it. Their eyes will glaze over and dismiss it after the first few sentences, which while good are not nearly as good and powerful as your later paragraphs. Unfortunately, you are writing to a echo chamber that already understands and share your views. Hate, projection, the need to have a scapegoat upon whom to heap fears, scorn, miseries, slights and personal grievances is an extremely powerful weapon, one I fear cannot withstand the light of logic, reason, personal reflection, and acceptance of some of our own baser instincts. Yes, this is a scary time, populated by a vast number of people who are evil, just plain stupid, or both. As an American Jew and parent of 2 children I have never felt so frightened and vulnerable and unprotected in my life. I don't know where this will end.
update: I posted your substack with all the links to my FB account. I urge everyone else to do the same. Need to get this information out beyond this "echo chamber".
I actually ended up removing it as it did not appear to have the desired effect. I feel as though I was whistling in the headlong wind. It might have been wiser to post the shorter version, or perhaps I just gave in to cowardice in the face of the void?
When my youngest was being born my wife got obstinate and didn’t want to go to the hospital. Contractions were 5 minutes apart. I was supposed to pick up a new car that day so our compromise was I would go to the bank, then the car lot, get the car and go home and whatever the situation we would go to the hospital. When I got to the bank there was one teller and a long line of 12 people waiting. 11 women, one guy. I walked to the front of the line explained the situation, my wife was having contractions five minutes apart and asked if it were okay if I went first. Everyone said ‘YES’. A woman asked me why I was at a bank. I explained my wife’s reluctance and our agreement I would buy the car and pick her up after. A minute or so went by and someone else said ‘You must be sooo excited’. I turned back to the line, I was at the teller then, and said ‘absolutely. I am so excited. But let’s face it, it isn’t every day a guy gets a brand new car’.
The one guy in the line howled. A few of the women laughed sort of ruefully. The rest were appalled. They all knew I was kidding though.
The guy high fived me as I left. He was still laughing.
Reasoning with psychotics is an utter waste of time and effort. The only way to win this argument is for Israel to crush its enemies the way the Third Reich was crushed. When our enemies are brought to their knees by total victory you'll see no further "demonstrations", intifada celebrations and snarky laughing emojis.
Congratulations on your family expansion. A new baby in the nation of Israel is the ultimate blessing. עם ישראל חי 🇮🇱
I normally try to respond to comments, but I'm nine months pregnant right now and likely to go into labour at any moment (yes, today is my due date). I wrote this a few days ago and it felt good to get off my chest. The version on my Substack includes a lot of videos and links, for anyone who wishes to go look. Sending love to everyone. Am Yisrael Chai.
https://thecassandracomplex.substack.com/p/letter-to-pro-palestine-friends
Brief update for those interested -- our daughter arrived safely and everyone is healthy etc. She was due on October 7, but arrived 8 days later on October 15 (at 8 pounds 8 ounces). She was also born with a caul; my water didn't fully break so the amniotic sac was still on her head when she emerged. It's incredibly rare, and apparently many cultures consider it a sign of good luck. Her name is Rachel.
(Just to spoil the magic, while our midwife, who is Metis, was going on about the mythology of cauls etc, my husband blurted out "It looks like she doesn't have a face!" to which I deliriously freaked out, "She doesn't have a face?!" We also didn't ask to keep the caul, which I kind of regret now, but I was very busy being happy that nothing was wrong and she did, in fact, have a face).
Good luck and יהוה's blessing, I have experienced the same thing as you.
When in my work community 4 years ago they were talking about the Jews, and they were sorry that Hitler didn't finish what was left without doing, and now, it should be finished. I asked that you start with me. The whole room fell silent because they knew I wasn't Jewish.
This was 4 years ago, and the speech rhetoric has only gotten worse. There is so much ignorance and lies, there is no way correct them, let alone have them listen to it. The initial reasons have already evaporated from people's brains. thanks to the media. As if Israel is not allowed to defend its own sovereignty. Israel has to accept, even with the UN decision, that the terrorists will destroy the Jews. No one remembers what it meant, never again. Don't want to remember.
Congratulations and every good thing to you and your baby!! It’s an incredible essay ❤️
Good luck with your baby!
Good luck and I hope all goes well. Shana Tova,! Am Yisrael Chai!
Valiant attempt. Well said.
We met folks on line at the airport. They were from Lebanon. They quoted Al Jazeera. When I said Al Jazeera is an antisemitic news org, the wife said, No, they're not.
When we told them what our friends in Israel reported to us they said we are believing propaganda. We said, Are you telling us our Israeli friends are lying?
There is no discussion with this mind set. They accuse "us" for what they are doing themselves.
That's how it is everywhere these days. Even in American domestic politics. It's all completely insane.
Yup.
Thank you for this painfully truthful piece. What rings in my ears “what is wrong with you” A question that so many of us are asking, whether Jews or supporters of you. It appears to be a plague of ignorance, spreading like wildfire! The hell of this and the effect on the Jewish people must be appalling! You do, however, have faithful support and we thank Israel for fighting this war for us in the west as well. I do believe that you will come through this. 🙏🙏
Thank you for your support. Yes, Israel is only step one. The radical Islamist barbarians, if ever successful with Israel, would turn to the rest of the West next. They have already infiltrated so much of Europe. The West must stop allowing the emigration of Muslims. Enough is enough. If they show they are capable and willing to assimilate into Western culture (and that doesn't meant they can't eat and worship as they like, but the must adopt our values. Period. AND, the West must stop being so isolationist.
"I am struggling to see any good in the 'pro-Palestine' 'woke' 'activist crowd anymore."
There isn't any good in them. None.
Meghan, I hope you personally feel better writing this article cuz the crazies aren't interested in hearing from you. I suggest, as best you can, feel some compassion for their fanatical disease, and move on. Find something that feels uplifting and brings you some joy- service, meditation, singing, massaging your husband, or better yet, ask him for a massage :) Engage your energy elsewhere cuz they ain't listening
That's what I keep telling her!
Zach, you're her husband, what do you expect? Maybe she'll hear "your advice" from me, an unknown to both of you, Holistic doctor in NYC :)
Although I read the essay somewhere else originally, reading this thread was so delightful on this sad anniversary day, Dr. Ron and writer and hubby. Medicinal herbalist and shepherdess down here in the sticks. Bringing new life into the world. Blessings, and wonderful delivery from a distant midwife.
Yes I am! Let's hope so but I won't hold my breath on it 😂
Citing from the article :
"The Diaspora Intifada is attempting to enlist those who prioritize empathy (typically liberals and progressives) onto their jihadi platform. It bypasses facts and reason and pulls at heartstrings, drowning the new recruits in an empathy swamp of toxic antisemitism.
By all means, hold a vigil and be sad for ALL people who have died if you like. But chanting “Intifada” and “by any means necessary” are genocidal calls for mass murder, the exact opposite of the empathy you claim to champion.
Palestinians are not “resorting to violence” but waging a war to destroy the Jewish State. They have long desired a region free of Jews and support the murder of Israeli civilians. You are either for such proposition or against it. You are either reactively sad about death or proactively urging for mass genocide."
Article proposes excellent action items to Intifada the intifada ✡️🇮🇱✡️ Worthy reading !
https://primarybowman.com/2024/10/09/intifada-the-intifada/
And rest easy that they are still really fringe on the left. Normal Americans don’t support or protest terrorist groups at all.
I would, however, like to see Jewish organizations or Jewish Studies programs stepping up to counter the pro-Hamas occupation lie with the actual truth. It seems obvious that the Israel as usorper and oppressor couldn’t have taken root if we’d lobbied hard to require that seniors in high school do a unit on history of the region, history of ancient & modern Israel & its wars & explain that a Palestinian is a manufactured ethnicity never adopted by the “Palestinians” until the 1960s when the Russians rebranded them because they’re very good at narrative warfare.
I’m suggesting that teach history and truth about Israel and the region before kids reach college will inoculate them against adopting the Russian’s Israel-Palestine lie & becoming a pro-Hamas, keffiyah wearing ignoramus sign holding ghoul at college.
Can you trust the teachers ? Appalled that school excursions go to pro pal demonstrations.
Someone had to have approved such an excursion. Which is insane.
Careful hiring would be important here.
Great analysis and thought- filled article. I wish you joy with your new baby. The “Palestinian” grads at our daughter’s MBA graduation here in the Midwest chose to make an inappropriate and loud demonstration after the ceremony out in the hall. They only made themselves look and sound like primitive animals. And fools. Definitely fools.
I’ve noticed this – the inappropriateness of trying to politicize every event. It goes over big on campus where the sophomoric mindset is prevalent, but among adults I imagine it turns more people off than wins supporters. I’m waiting for the backlash.
Primitive is a good word. They have yet to join the 21st century. I would settle for the 20th. At one time the Arab world was at the forefront of medicine, astronomy, math, philosophy. What happened to them? Radical Islam I suppose. All religion taken to the extreme is a negative influence. It's no different than a dictatorship that seeks to control its own people (turning them into a cult) and which in the end turns toward controlling the rest of the world.
Meghan, take a rest. October 7 was a blessing in so many ways. 30000 people made Aliyah. Countless unaffiliated super assimilated Jews came “home “. And now we know who our friends are and who they aren’t. So enjoy (?) your new healthy baby and know that your friends are keepers. And don’t waste your time/ love/ energy on the riff raff
Amen
Every mountain has a shady side and a sunny side. Try to accept that
A blessing?! Yeah maybe not so much for the rape, murder and kidnap victims on October 7 and everyone who's died since. A blessing perhaps for Netanyahu and co who the war provides a nice way to avoid accountability for years of pure incompetence and policy explicitly designed to funnel Qatari money into Gaza in exchange for quiet. A blessing for the average Israeli, yeah not so much. Seriously, saying stuff like this is not that dissimilar to Hamas explicit aim of October 7 goading Israel into war which they know will kill Gazan civilians and provoke sympathy in the west. Think.
Also all this crazy amount of antisemitism puts a spotlight on how important it is that Jews have a homeland. If people have a problem with “start up nation” , they have a problem with Jews.
Meghan, I wish you an easy delivery and lots of joy in your baby when it arrives. FYI, I met a fascinating couple on the Burrard Bridge last night at the community’s rally in support of Israel and in memory of those we have lost. Neither of them were Jewish, but both have been super supportive of the Jewish community. Their grown-up daughter in the US read her father’s pro-Israel posts on social media and ghosted both her parents. It has been heartbreaking for them. The mother told me that, growing up in Germany, she was thoroughly taught on how never again to drink the Kool-Aid, but only now that she is living through this experience does she fully understand the process of indoctrination and how the Germans succumbed to it. SO many families are experiencing these fissures. So many friendships have been destroyed. The heart has a lot to weep about today, but you take a break from it all and concentrate on your growing family, okay?
Amen.
Thank you Megan for your brilliant article.....I think you're being extremely nice with these pro Palestine activists .....it would be great if they would stop listen to all the lies, and start learning some history......l Shana Tova.....hope you have an easy delivery of your baby !........congratulations to you and your husband Zach......all the best.....
Many years ago I learned of the Arab proverb: "you kiss the hand, you cannot bite" which aptly describes their thought process ... across the board. I would pull the plug on all assistance (Iran and Qatar are incredibly wealthy as are many Arab nations -- let them come to the aid of their brothers. Jews certainly do.) Save all that innovation, development, discovery, construct for Jews: such a small dot in the sea of humanity (and yet we pose such a danger that it enlicits murderous intent on a continuing basis -- which leads me to ask: why are "they" so afraid of us .. could it be the revenge of Ishamael?) This has been a very sad year for Jews, but hopefully lessons have been learned, not to be forgotten. We have learned we are alone (for the most part: the support of the U.S. Christian community has been a revelation and welcomed), resilient and strong ... We Shall Overcome!
Re Christian support - yes the evangelicals specifically support Israel because they believe something like all the Jews have to return to Israel before the second coming can happen. But after that if you don't convert to Christianity you are damned to hellfire for eternity. I'll take the support for now, because it's useful . . . but I don't trust them.
Please explain this:
Many years ago I learned of the Arab proverb: "you kiss the hand, you cannot bite" which aptly describes their thought process
Thanks
When first I saw this, I examined the meaning ... and I concluded that weakness to the Muslims is viewed as a flaw and the subject is open to disdain and of course, worse. When the subject displays strength, then the other party becomes a supplicant. My take: no more cheeks ... just do what it takes to get the job done .... whatever it takes. And if the world does not like it .. tough: let them all become dhimmis in this new world.
Rational people trying to find reason in the unreasonable.
Logical people confounded by the incomprehensible.
It's time we stopped trying to make sense of it, and used our energies elsewhere.
The Pro Palestinian crowd literally feeds off our angst.
We must stop giving them our
oxygen.
Every best wish and prayers for your pending motherhood. And, more prayers that your children will find a kinder world due to you and others speaking out about pure evil and hatred. Thank you.
Writing your article is a novel form of pain control during childbirth. Foremost best wishes for a successful delivery and good health to mother and baby. Your article is logical and passionate. BUT even if read by the pro pal or antisemite, they are unlikely to “convert”. This is because they are sadistic - a response to their own inadequacies. Trying to change them means you take away their (one?) little pleasure to see others desperate to validate their existence and persuade for truth and knowledge. They will not give up their pleasure. Every time someone pleads the truth to them or gives them room with empathy, or they see you squirming in failing to convince, “ding” off goes their dopamine to gratify the pleasure centres in their brains. And they keep going back for more. So don’t give them the response they desperately seek themselves to validate their own existence. When the university students go pro-pal demonstrating, all I see are entitled brats who hate their studies and wish they were somewhere else. They are also probably incapable of writing more than their three word slogans without the use of AI. So they are university failures. And they probably know it. That is why they have to compensate for their self-realised inadequacies. Their behaviour is inversely proportional to their ability to reason. What a waste they are. Educating people who are not even willing to see different perspectives is overrated because they don’t want education. I don’t say don’t educate, but perhaps do not have high expectations.
Still no baby yet ... waiting, waiting. Thank you for the kind wishes. I knew this about a lot of the activist-types, and have known for a while (I was influential in the woke Canadian literary scene for a while and had lots of experience with how insane and abusive some of them could be well before all of this ... I basically quit my job and ghosted the scene in 2019-2020 because I couldn't handle how toxic it was anymore). What's upsetting me now is that many people I thought were more reasonable and empathetic now seem to have lost their minds. They got so much worse during Covid, and I want to look for external explanations? Too much Internet while in lockdown? Increased drug and alcohol use? Poorer diet? Masking all the time cutting off oxygen to their brains? Lingering inflammation from Covid infections and/or vaccines? But it's more likely this was always there, and I just tend to see the good in people, until I can't anymore.
I completely agree re projecting their inadequacies ... the most toxic woke people I know are would-be writers and artists who are not particularly successful (or talented). They try to bully their way into the fame they desire. I've also noticed there's a lot of former "gifted" kids and straight-A students -- people who were told they were smart and special in high school, but aren't living up to expectations in adulthood. It makes sense they'd go after Jewish people, bizarrely talented and smart and successful as you tend to be. Hitler was a failed painter, after all.
This is actually a subject I've looked into quite a bit:
https://thecassandracomplex.substack.com/p/the-drama-of-the-gifted-children
Fascinating about the "failed painter" syndrome -- my new name for those who are jealous. Rounds out my theory: 1) you have the identification of the "other" - in terms of evolution it was important to recognize the other which could be potentially dangerous for survival. The Jew is the perfect "other." 2) you have the scapegoat; this concept has been around since ancient times, where you place your sins on the goat and thereby purify your community. The Jew is the perfect scapegoat. (This is why Jews are blamed for a whole host of things that are inherently contradictory and which actually depict what the accusers are ashamed of in their own lives / societies). 3) Jealousy, or the "failed painter" syndrome as you have so eloquently described. 4) I also wonder if the woke youth (or anyone for that matter) are in search of a good cause; not that society is perfect but we Boomers did a damn good job with civil rights / women's right / gay rights. Seems they have to go back into history and try to make us feel guilty about the past -- because the present is pretty good?
I am not sure I would call us "bizarrely talented and smart and successful as you tend to be". We are no different than any others except perhaps in our stubborness to survive and our resilience. But thank you for the compliment nonetheless.
A beautifully crafted letter that is very likely never to be read by those who should read it. Their eyes will glaze over and dismiss it after the first few sentences, which while good are not nearly as good and powerful as your later paragraphs. Unfortunately, you are writing to a echo chamber that already understands and share your views. Hate, projection, the need to have a scapegoat upon whom to heap fears, scorn, miseries, slights and personal grievances is an extremely powerful weapon, one I fear cannot withstand the light of logic, reason, personal reflection, and acceptance of some of our own baser instincts. Yes, this is a scary time, populated by a vast number of people who are evil, just plain stupid, or both. As an American Jew and parent of 2 children I have never felt so frightened and vulnerable and unprotected in my life. I don't know where this will end.
update: I posted your substack with all the links to my FB account. I urge everyone else to do the same. Need to get this information out beyond this "echo chamber".
I actually ended up removing it as it did not appear to have the desired effect. I feel as though I was whistling in the headlong wind. It might have been wiser to post the shorter version, or perhaps I just gave in to cowardice in the face of the void?
Exciting time. All health to you and your baby.
When my youngest was being born my wife got obstinate and didn’t want to go to the hospital. Contractions were 5 minutes apart. I was supposed to pick up a new car that day so our compromise was I would go to the bank, then the car lot, get the car and go home and whatever the situation we would go to the hospital. When I got to the bank there was one teller and a long line of 12 people waiting. 11 women, one guy. I walked to the front of the line explained the situation, my wife was having contractions five minutes apart and asked if it were okay if I went first. Everyone said ‘YES’. A woman asked me why I was at a bank. I explained my wife’s reluctance and our agreement I would buy the car and pick her up after. A minute or so went by and someone else said ‘You must be sooo excited’. I turned back to the line, I was at the teller then, and said ‘absolutely. I am so excited. But let’s face it, it isn’t every day a guy gets a brand new car’.
The one guy in the line howled. A few of the women laughed sort of ruefully. The rest were appalled. They all knew I was kidding though.
The guy high fived me as I left. He was still laughing.
Reasoning with psychotics is an utter waste of time and effort. The only way to win this argument is for Israel to crush its enemies the way the Third Reich was crushed. When our enemies are brought to their knees by total victory you'll see no further "demonstrations", intifada celebrations and snarky laughing emojis.
Congratulations on your family expansion. A new baby in the nation of Israel is the ultimate blessing. עם ישראל חי 🇮🇱