“Random Thought Thursday” is a new feature we are experimenting with, a cluster of topics that are incredibly interesting but do not necessarily warrant an entire essay, each on their own.
A number of my good friends who more liberal than am I, have strong negative reactions about the P.M. My answer is simple if aggravating. I suggest that if they feel that strongly about changing the government in Israel, perhaps they should make aliyah, become a citizen of Israel, and then work and vote to replace him.
Another take on protestor psychology (Or perhaps, Joshua, we're saying the same thing using different words); When people are frustrated and feeling personally insignificant, they look for a scapegoat. By banding together in a growing collective bundle, they are being hoisted up (or so they think). They are superficially deriving personal strength from solidarity.
One recurrent theme that emerges from the anti-Semite repertoire of hateful accusations is this one: “ Jews think they are better than everyone else.”. I don’t think that’s the real issue there. I think the anti-semites actually do fear/ believe that Jews are better than the anti-semite and this is very damaging to their egos and psychologically unacceptable to them. Similarly the self-loathing Jews don’t really hate Jews qua Jews. They hate because they don’t feel they fit in, or they are afraid of being classified as an outsider, or they view Judaism as the source of their personal misfortune/shortcomjngs. Regardless, psychological problems ( or ideology) underpin most aberrant behavior and hate. People with a sound sense of self generally aren’t attracted to hateful, absolutist ideologies. The breakdown of traditional values, and the deliberate hollowing out of pride and purpose ( demoralization) , wrought by the same Communists, explains the appeal of this ideology to otherwise seemingly “normal” college kids.
I agree with you! I wouldn’t trust anyone if I were Israel. You must do whatever you need to do. You have always been right in the past. Only you can decide the way forward. At the moment the rest of the world is beyond mad!!!
I agree that the issue is not to hold opinions about other countries or offer advice when one perceives potential moral missteps. However, it's usually regarded as crucial that such criticism be delivered in a constructive manner, emphasizing the potential benefits for both the recipients and other stakeholders involved. It's more than evident that this approach falls short here, particularly when it comes to opinions regarding Gaza. Many of these viewpoints and recommendations are motivated predominantly by self-interest, and frequently align with internal political agendas and electoral maneuvers, rather than earnestly striving for resolution or justice. This adds to the issue of double standards.
Actually, not really. Netanyahu was democratically elected every time. And, many Israelis still support Netanyahu and his party Likud. Probably somewhere around 40-50%. So no, not the same logic. Not at all.
A number of my good friends who more liberal than am I, have strong negative reactions about the P.M. My answer is simple if aggravating. I suggest that if they feel that strongly about changing the government in Israel, perhaps they should make aliyah, become a citizen of Israel, and then work and vote to replace him.
Amen.
I don t think we are going to win this war by changing netanyahu
I pray that he wins this war
Oct 7 happened ,because people were to busy with there fithing
In between them .
They were blind .
I was in israel in july ,the summer before oct 7 and i knew this was caming i even told people i was playing with ,at golf
I said while you are fithing in the other side they are getting ready
For you
And it happened
Voila
Enought israel has to concentrate now to win
Thanks for a thought provoking set of themes, Joshua. This American outsider follows and supports Israel no matter how it goes.
Another take on protestor psychology (Or perhaps, Joshua, we're saying the same thing using different words); When people are frustrated and feeling personally insignificant, they look for a scapegoat. By banding together in a growing collective bundle, they are being hoisted up (or so they think). They are superficially deriving personal strength from solidarity.
Spot on.
One recurrent theme that emerges from the anti-Semite repertoire of hateful accusations is this one: “ Jews think they are better than everyone else.”. I don’t think that’s the real issue there. I think the anti-semites actually do fear/ believe that Jews are better than the anti-semite and this is very damaging to their egos and psychologically unacceptable to them. Similarly the self-loathing Jews don’t really hate Jews qua Jews. They hate because they don’t feel they fit in, or they are afraid of being classified as an outsider, or they view Judaism as the source of their personal misfortune/shortcomjngs. Regardless, psychological problems ( or ideology) underpin most aberrant behavior and hate. People with a sound sense of self generally aren’t attracted to hateful, absolutist ideologies. The breakdown of traditional values, and the deliberate hollowing out of pride and purpose ( demoralization) , wrought by the same Communists, explains the appeal of this ideology to otherwise seemingly “normal” college kids.
Very well said!
I agree with you! I wouldn’t trust anyone if I were Israel. You must do whatever you need to do. You have always been right in the past. Only you can decide the way forward. At the moment the rest of the world is beyond mad!!!
I agree that the issue is not to hold opinions about other countries or offer advice when one perceives potential moral missteps. However, it's usually regarded as crucial that such criticism be delivered in a constructive manner, emphasizing the potential benefits for both the recipients and other stakeholders involved. It's more than evident that this approach falls short here, particularly when it comes to opinions regarding Gaza. Many of these viewpoints and recommendations are motivated predominantly by self-interest, and frequently align with internal political agendas and electoral maneuvers, rather than earnestly striving for resolution or justice. This adds to the issue of double standards.
Excellent post.
Always helpfull.
I know that because I have spoken to many Iranians who live in Iran. Many told me about 95% strongly disapprove of their regime.
Actually, not really. Netanyahu was democratically elected every time. And, many Israelis still support Netanyahu and his party Likud. Probably somewhere around 40-50%. So no, not the same logic. Not at all.