Agreed Mr. Stockton. The term "peace" does not apply to that board, which contains in it multiple war criminals. Perhaps "bored" of peace would be more appropriate
Who cares? = Very few, it seems, beyond those directly affected, i.e. the Palestinian people, a handful of aid agencies, some rational and compassionate UN representatives, officials and staff, and certainly some critical thinking and intelligent everyday citizens of various countries who recognise corruption, fraud, collusion, wrongful imprisonment, torture, restriction of freedoms, persecution, genocidal action and killing, false promises by the President of probably the World's mightiest military nation and his nation's funding and arming for a perpetrator of injustice, savagery, disdain for international law or sovereignty, an internationally wanted individual wanted for trial by the ICC for crimes against humanity - Benjamin Netanyahu
It seems impossible to do anything to stop Trump and his gang of wealthy self-profiting corrupt individuals and national 'leaders' who compose the self-serving 'Board of Peace' created by Donald Trump to turn Gaza into a development paradise for the wealthy whilst ignoring the reality - that the land belongs to the Palestinian People; that they deserve to choose their own destiny; that they are owed $$$Billions in compensation for the razing to the ground of their buildings and infrastructure and an incalculable amount of compensation for decades of holding the Palestinian people hostage and denying them access to hundred, perhaps thousands of everyday essentials, as well as controlling their movement and ability to live freely and without fear. As well as that, there is the unimaginable mental and cultural damage done to Palestinians and not least, their children.
It is a savage indictment on humanity that the World's nations and leadership has largely stood by and continues to do so in the face of Netanyahu's zionist massacre of the Palestinian people, including as mentioned in the piece on which I comment, almost 500 killed during this supposed ceasefire. To add insult to this appalling injury, the media and national leaders continue to conflate opposition to Israel's malevolent persecution and genocidal actions with anti-semitism, which it isn't. This outrageous and transparently flawed reasoning is actually being used to strengthen authoritarian laws and action against those who choose to stand up for peace, justice, compassion, equity, accountability and an end to this tragedy.
I feel fortunate to be well away from what is happening but also very guilty that I feel unable to do more than express my horror and disgust at what is happening and at so many national leaders and others who choose to minimise Netanyahu and Israel's actions which are as close to those perpetrated by Hitler and the National Socialists in the 1930s and 1940s.
The 'Board of Peace' has *nothing* whatever to do with peace or prosperity or care or rebuilding for the Palestinian people. It is a move to divert attention from Israel's perfidy and to pursue Netanyahu's agenda of total dispossession, exclusion and extermination of the Palestine people. That so-called *democracies* are either participating in or doing little or nothing to stop Trump and Netanyahu shows just how parlous is the state of the current World order. That Putin, too, has been invited to join the Billionaire's development riches club is an insult to all who care for justice and rationality.
I am almost 80 years old, have various mobility problems and no significant wealth, though I recognise I have much more than most of the World's population. I mention this only because I care and wish that I could do more and because, given that the Prime Minister and other many other politicians of my own country, as well as many of the population, either don't see what is so evident or choose to ignore it - whether out of cowardice; that false conflation of protest against Israel with anti-semitism; or simple ignorant prejudice, has me seriously considering ending my own life, for I don't wish to live within a human race that is so blatantly sick, corrupt, malevolent, and hypocritical and which places materialism and wealth over the lives of human beings.
Gypsy33, on the basis of what I've read from you I believe we have many views in common and that you favour justice, rationality and peace in the World. However, I became a pacifist after a period of active service in the Middle East.
What I learned there was that the use of guns and other armaments and weapons to bring about peace is a performative contradiction and that those who suffer most are the innocent and uninvolved.
The actual fighting, suffering injuries and death is also predominantly the fate of the young, not yet physically or mentally mature, highly indoctrinated, often carrying arms unwillingly but controlled almost inevitably by men in suits, sitting far away in comfort and security and usually gaining status and wealth as a result of whatever conflict is taking place - indeed, not unusually doing so even when on the 'losing' side.
As is clear from my own various posts and comments, I too am horrified, dismayed, and angered by the failure of humanity to learn that difference is not deficit and needn't be feared but rather ought to be seen as an opportunity. I am outraged by the hypocrisy and lies of national 'leaders'. and by the hypocrisy & conditioning of religions which justify the malignancy of war with the notion that a mythical all powerful and loving 'God' is on 'our side'.
Yes, I have no doubt that I can be criticised for my stance and often by use of the argument that we have the right to defend ourselves and to stop the malevolent and dictatorial acts or attacks of others. However there is a bitter irony to that criticism when it is the very justification that demagogues such as Netanyahu and Putin and Trump use to justify their showering destruction and killing and maiming both their own forces and those resisting them.
I admit, too, that to the very limited extent I retain any ability to do so, I would use what physical capacity I have to resist others attacking, defiling or assaulting other innocents unable to defend themselves. So, I accept that such may be seen as evidence of some level of hypocrisy on my part. I am, as yet, unable to counter that criticism with any rational argument of my own. All I know is that it would be pointless and probably contribute to those I attempted to protect suffering an even worse fate.
The reality is that there is no justification for wars or armed conflict and the notional 'winners' will never be those for whom these battles are supposedly fought, History will verify that absolutely.
So, whilst I suspect that I have a fair understanding of your feelings and your rage and even share much of it, I will not let myself be consumed by such for if I do, in my view I will become complicit and not unlike my 'enemy', something I would fear more than death.
If gunmen broke into a store where you shop and started killing customers, salespeople, and cashiers, what would you do? Would you try to shoot the attackers somehow, or would you rather let them kill everyone? So that you don't look like them? Despite calling themselves people/politicians, they are just criminals who can do whatever they want in the absence of resistance! They lack exactly what makes a person human, and since they only understand violence, you can't speak any other language with them!
I understand your reasoning but it is flawed. I have already, in effect, answered your question in the comment of mine which has prompted yours. You have made common mistakes in your claims, not least by generalising from the particular and making claims that are simply untrue.
I certainly applaud your rage at the obscenities committed by those who lack compassion; who seek personal or state advantage at the expense of others; and who maim and kill with impunity.
However, what your words indicate is that you have little, if any more understanding than do 'they' and that although you may not be one of 'them', nor do what 'they' do, were you to have the opportunity, your views *may* be very different because they are based on conflict and violence as the only resolution to conflict and violence.
History shows us that such is not the case. Conflict and violence produce grief, dispossession, trauma, life-changing injuries both mental and physical, the destruction of infrastructure and homes, the treatment of the ill and infirm, the mental health of many but particularly children and the development of suspicion, mistrust and hatred which virtually ensures that humanity will fail to learn and repeat such tragedy over and over until it finally destroys itself or its planet - which is effectively the same thing.
Please forgive me! I don't speak English, I only read and write with a translator, so I probably can't convey exactly what I mean. Although I completely understand you and agree with you, what I wanted to say was that these genocidaires are no different from the ones I was making examples of. We can't look at them any differently, and they can't be stopped except with violence. I'm also against all violence, but all the violence in the world so far has happened throughout history because the meek didn't stop the violent.
And I understand that the conscience of the gentle is burdened by acts of violence, but we have to decide who we love more: the gentle victims or the violent perpetrators? But of course this is just reasoning, since we have no power to do anything against them. They have the weapons...
Ida, no apology is necessary. I understand very well how it is to speak in one language and listen in another or vice versa. Nor do I object to someone having a different view from my own, though I will criticise or point out its deficiencies if I believe that I can justify doing so.
May I also just say that, just as you may have difficulties with translation and a mistaken understanding of what I write, so too, I can only respond to what I read and that may not be what I would understand where I able to read it with a sound understanding of your language and culture.
So, I respect what you have to say and thank you for engaging. At the same time, I feel that I must point to some flaws in your argument or views, as expressed in your comment.
* "all the violence in the world so far has happened throughout history because the meek didn't stop the violent." - I can't agree. It seems to me self evident that this is a flawed statement. The violent are responsible for the violence. That someone chooses not be violent in response, does not mean that they have caused the violence, rather it means that they choose to copy it and become that of which they disapprove. Blaming the victim is common in today's world and probably always has been so. However, it is unjust and a ploy deliberately used to defend and justify perfidy. Too many people are taken in by that ploy.
* Human beings have universal characteristics, some seen as positive and some as negative - some in these ways universally and others dependent on the cultural norms from which or within which they are viewed. There are no 'good' or 'bad' people; there is no 'good' or 'evil'. These are simply human constructs, largely derived from religious conditioning used to manipulate and control the masses. 'Good' people can and do behave badly, just as 'bad' people can and do behave well.
It is a common flaw, not least in online discussion, for people to confuse the view or opinion with the person expressing it. Yet we all change our views to some degree and in some aspects depending on time, space and environment. Everything is changeable and fluid, there are no absolutes and if we claim to 'love' at all, then we must love all - again or vice versa.
* "... they can't be stopped without violence". Yes, they can. Violence begets violence, it doesn't prevent it. Contrary to what you claim, history does not show violence as having stopped violence but, on the contrary, that violence produces discontent, hatred, a desire for revenge and eventually, more violence. Far from stopping violence, violent retaliation promotes violence.
It is also untrue - though we are conditioned to believe it so - that violence cannot be stopped except by more violence - itself a paradox. The fact is that violence has on many occasions throughout history been stopped by non-violence.
As well as the obvious case of Ghandi gaining independence for India by non-violence, I'd refer you to just a few other readings of the mass of evidence there exists of effective non-violence:
I'd also refer you to the writings of Gene Sharp and many others.
The reality is that is a ubiquitous trait of human beings to react without reason or thought but simply in haste or from instinct. Yet, we are a species of animal with enormous intelligence compared to others and it behoves us to use that intelligence. That some don't or are too self-important, greedy, uncaring, ignorant or conditioned to do so and unfortunately come to hold positions of power such that they can condemn others to fight, be maimed and/or die for their petulant stupidity and selfishness, is far from any reasonable rationale for the rest of us to mirror their actions. We are capable of better.
If we spent even a small fraction of what is given to conflict and the machinery of warfare, killing and brutality, we could fund a reasonable standard of living, safety and productive life for every person on this planet.
We will never do so if we allow the armaments manufacturers, the demagogues, the self-centred demagogues and the misguided who think that might and other forms of coercive control can pacify and manipulate a people to their whims, to win.
'Victory' from war is an illusion. It is an illusion that those who profit individually or collectively from carnage and death choose to perpetrate for their own benefit. Sadly and to the detriment of humanity, many of these who perpetrate such belief are politicians, national 'leaders' and such, indeed the very people who should know better and, in fact, often do know better - but put their own perceived interests In front of those of others. Not least, this happens because rarely are they the ones who actually suffer the fighting or its destruction.
So, I'm sorry, I wish you no ill. I don't even wish the likes of Putin, Netanyahu, Kim Jong Un, or Trump any ill, despite their distorted and insane ideas and behaviour. It just saddens me that humanity has so few who use their enormous intelligence and intellect to overcome the delusions, greed, self importance and 'god complex' of those I mention and others such as they.
I doubt that we will see a World where they don't exist because I have little doubt that they will destroy the planet and the human race before it can come about. However, I do believe that if there is any chance for humanity, it will not be a favourable one if we insist on imitating the insanity of demagogues by imitating their example.
You’re a good man and I suspect a better human being than I am, and yes we do have similar thoughts.
Being Palestinian-American, the genocide has made me alternately suicidal and homicidal. But will I unlive myself for the ziofilth? Never. That would be a victory for them.
I prefer to die defending myself, my people, and the ultimate right to speak up for them. Ain’t nobody gonna shut me up.
I have a number of friends who are Vietnam veterans; they largely feel as I do.
Gypsy33, I certainly don't have any desire to shut you up. Indeed, I admire your courage, determination and honesty. I also agree that all rational and informed people ought to speak up against bullying, coercion, manipulation, aggression, violence and killing by whoever and wherever.
I disagree with the use of negative epithets which, in effect, mean nothing and act against the individual who is speaking out or at least against what chance they have of attracting others to their cause and views - which is presumably the major purpose of speaking out, unless one is just 'letting of steam' so to speak.
No, I am no better a human being than are you. Had we been born in the same place, at a similar time and experienced similar lives, I think it quite likely, even probable that I would be feeling and saying as you do. Indeed, there was a time when I did think that way, in spite of being a citizen and armed forces member of the nation I considered to be the aggressor and in the wrong. They were, in fact, the aggressor and in the wrong. I was fortunate in that I was only labelled negatively by my own, ostracised, isolated, distrusted, mistreated and brought to a suicidal state, 'treated' for mental illness and finally managed to leave the armed force but branded a coward by my colleagues, despite having never baulked at any duty I was given.
They were clever in their retribution for my difference of opinion because they found the best way they could to bring me down. They put down my dog whilst I was in hospital. They put him down because none of the others there could handle him. At the time I took some satisfaction in that and it eased the loss and rage I felt. It was only later that I should have spent those hours of rage in remembering the deep connection I had with Fritz and in taking responsibility for the fact that it was not my beliefs but how I expressed them that was responsible for his death, not those who actually did the killing.
I believe that I understand - though I may be wrong - both how and why you feel as you do. I don't blame or dislike you for it. We are human beings with all the failings, flaws and positives that entails. In the main, we don't choose them. They are part nature and part nurture and it takes relatively little to produce a major difference in understanding, perspective and behaviour, even in individuals enduring similar 'fates' - if you will, though I am not a believer in fate.
The fact is that we are animals and though omnivorous, largely with carnivorous instincts and millennia of conditioning, much of it subtle and insidious, that has produced a humanity dominated by greed, selfishness; might is right; success defined by wealth; status and fame and in the nations best equipped to know and do much better, a diet of non-nutritious fast food in excessive quantities; a throw away waste mentality and built in obsolescence; a self-indulgent arrogance and dismissal of those who have less and even a disgust of those who have nothing; and perhaps worst of all, a fear and distaste of *difference* which produces resultant hostility, distrust and, frankly, irrational views and hatred.
Of course, as I indicated in my last comment, I think - I can't say what I would do where me or my family or even strangers attacked around me. I certainly don't think I would stand by and do nothing or run away but I no longer know. This is both an existential and a philosophical question, particularly when such an event is not occurring. Would I use a gun against guns if I had one? I don't know. - I will that I wouldn't because it would then destroy all I believe and feel, for I have no hatred of anyone, though I have, as have you, enormous, disturbing, and mind attacking outrage at much of human behaviour in our World.
Many feel the same way and respond as you do or similarly. Many feel hate, hurl negative epithets, make generalisations based on particulars that cannot be true and which, for that reason and because what they claim is often close to impossible to measure, they cannot know or evidence.
I am not enamoured of platitudinous idioms, adages, the nonsensical notion of 'common sense' as being an equivalent of sound reasoning and/or 'fact' but I do believe that 'violence begets violence'; that one achieves real change by modelling, rather than by coercion, the latter perhaps quickly changing behaviour on the surface but only creating even more strengthened opposition beliefs in the mind. I am also wary of self-styled intellectuals or self-aggrandising demagogues who believe and act as if they are the non-existent divine entities worshipped by many who are deceived and conditioned by religions - religions having almost certainly caused more division and tragedy within humanity than any other human creation.
Yet, I do see the sense in 'an eye for an eye' which originated with the Babylonians. However, what sense it has lies in its original intent, *not* in its current ubiquitous interpretation as an excuse for revenge which, in turn, only perpetuates conflict. 'An eye for an eye' was meant to *limit* conflict caused by retribution, not to exacerbate it. In other words, in current terms, those who devised the term would have considered that [leaving aside all other reasons for Hamas military wing incursions and killings], Israel had a fair right to kill the same number, approximately 1200, of Palestinians as Hamas fighters killed of Israelis or people in Israel during that incursion on 7 October 2023, but definitely not more than that.
I consider there to be problems even with the reasoning behind that original intent of the term - which was in fact a law in Babylonian times - however I applaud its intent to limit conflict and violence. It has some rationality if one doesn't examine the concept or retribution and context even more deeply.
Israeli misnomered 'Defence' force has now killed, at a bare minimum, over 72,000 Palestinians, injured another 170,000 and razed 80% of Gaza to the ground. - Hardly an 'eye for an eye', yet that edict is contained within the Torah.
I should stop for this is supposedly a comment and has turned into much more. The reason is that I am as enraged and passionately engaged with the current horrors and the impunity granted by world nations and [not] leaders to Trump and Netanyahu particularly and Putin to a similar but lesser extent, to build new empires and subjugate the vast majority of humanity to the absolute and horrific edicts of all. powerful individuals whose power drives them not only to corruption but blindness and insanity.
I don't know what the answer is. I don't understand all the complexities. I am not, however, fooled by the political and administrative rhetorical hypocrisies and manoeuvering for personal and state gain.
I do know, however, that maiming and killing, guns and bombs and missiles and such, are *not* the answer. They - are just a continuation of human insanity and failure to learn from its past, from its great thinkers, from its learning about morality, from its massive tragedies and from the grief felt by millions, universally, regardless of colour, creed, nationality or any other difference.
As an aside or in closing - thank you for your willingness to converse and state your feelings clearly as well as consider my own, for that is the first step to resolution of difference - and to peace in our world.
Amid all the human horrors, the real estate dealings still feel like the greatest obscenity. And amid the revolting brownshirt gestapo ICE agents prowling the US, it's still possible for me to detest Jared Kushner more than any other mass of biological material on the planet. I was going to say human cell aggregate, but truthfully, I'm not so sure.
It is as you say. BoP = parasites, grifters, genocidal helpers, murderers, war criminals, racketeers, thugs, paedophiles. Not one of these bastards has any compassion or empathy, they are as evil as all the Nazi Zionist scum put together.
"a collapse of conscience — a world order in which genocide survivors are expected to endure starvation, exposure, killings, and grief in silence, while their tormentors and their enablers rebrand devastation as diplomacy and peace."
I'm sorry to say this description fits the U.S. since its inception i.e. colonization of the Americas at the expense of the indigenous people.
The Zionist empire will fall. Hoping this happens sooner rather than later.
I am from Vancouver,Canada and i want to say : When Fidel died in Cuba The US Gov't and its Allies taught Cuba once again would be a Colony of the USA. They forgot about the People of Cuba and the People of Cuba working together with the Cuban Gov't.
The same thing happened in Venezuela when President Maduro and his Wife, Cilia Flores were kidnapped by Special US Terrorists. All kinds of Lies were been told saying that Trump is now in charge in Venezuela. Delcy Rodriguez addressed these lies a couple of days ago and said that the Gov't of Venezuela is still in power, nothing has changed in Venezuela.
In Palestine similar lies are been told about the Yankee-Zionist Peace Board and that they will make peace in Gaza. They never mentioned the Palestinian Resistance and the support Palestine got around the world. The Palestinian Resistance and Supporters of Palestine around the world won't let the Yankee Terrorists and Israeli Zionists like Jared Kushner rule Gaza. The Palestinian Resistance is standing -up to these Yankee Terrorists and Genocidal Israeli Zionists who kill Palestinian Children and Brag about it.
The People in Palestine, Cuba, Venezuela tell the truth about what is happening in their countries. They got nothing to hide unlike The US Gov't, Genocidal Israel and their western Allies.The Palestinian Supporters in the West tell the Truth about Palestine and they get thrown in Jail for telling the truth. People in the World with Common Sense know who is in the right and who is against Humanity.
No one should be surprised by Trump’s shitshow, along with those international “leaders” who want their own piece of the pie. Russia is refusing to participate; thank you, Honorable Mr. Putin, from an admirer.
Gaza s being sold to the highest bidders. And the coming opening of the Rafah Crossing is pretty indicative of: GAZANS: LEAVE!
Nor should anyone be surprised that the genocide continues; after the Nakba, it’s been a slow-motion genocide. Now it’s an all-out in-your-face genocide and with one exception, the Stallions of Ansarallah, the world is afraid to confront a false nation the size of New Jersey run by an escapee from an insane asylum.
When this happens to YOUR country (or mine, where it’s already beginning) don’t expect any fucking sympathy from me.
Sick World has allowed this and has normalised genocide! We need a different world without ALL those in Epstein Files, without Elite Scum, without Zionist Evil who brainwashed and controlled the world for so long.
Perhaps you are right Mr. LoPresti, it may have been for the best if the so called "Wise man" did not arise, seeing what he is capable of inflicting on his fellow sentient beings
Based on your neuroscience commentary, I'd assume you're not encouraging me to attend to an external agency such as a cloud being in lieu of the dynamics of a Complex Adaptive System of Systems. If you actually are, please count me out. If not, I'm a bit stumped by your comment.
I'm simply trying to get you to clarify your comment. I have no axe to grind. We seem to be not communicating well. I don't have energy to waste in pointless conversations.
Some ceasefire!
Everyone who partials on the Board of Peace should face trial at The Hague for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
Agreed Mr. Stockton. The term "peace" does not apply to that board, which contains in it multiple war criminals. Perhaps "bored" of peace would be more appropriate
Yes, and even the ridiculous title Board of Peace is blatantly untrue - it will be anything but.
Who cares? = Very few, it seems, beyond those directly affected, i.e. the Palestinian people, a handful of aid agencies, some rational and compassionate UN representatives, officials and staff, and certainly some critical thinking and intelligent everyday citizens of various countries who recognise corruption, fraud, collusion, wrongful imprisonment, torture, restriction of freedoms, persecution, genocidal action and killing, false promises by the President of probably the World's mightiest military nation and his nation's funding and arming for a perpetrator of injustice, savagery, disdain for international law or sovereignty, an internationally wanted individual wanted for trial by the ICC for crimes against humanity - Benjamin Netanyahu
It seems impossible to do anything to stop Trump and his gang of wealthy self-profiting corrupt individuals and national 'leaders' who compose the self-serving 'Board of Peace' created by Donald Trump to turn Gaza into a development paradise for the wealthy whilst ignoring the reality - that the land belongs to the Palestinian People; that they deserve to choose their own destiny; that they are owed $$$Billions in compensation for the razing to the ground of their buildings and infrastructure and an incalculable amount of compensation for decades of holding the Palestinian people hostage and denying them access to hundred, perhaps thousands of everyday essentials, as well as controlling their movement and ability to live freely and without fear. As well as that, there is the unimaginable mental and cultural damage done to Palestinians and not least, their children.
It is a savage indictment on humanity that the World's nations and leadership has largely stood by and continues to do so in the face of Netanyahu's zionist massacre of the Palestinian people, including as mentioned in the piece on which I comment, almost 500 killed during this supposed ceasefire. To add insult to this appalling injury, the media and national leaders continue to conflate opposition to Israel's malevolent persecution and genocidal actions with anti-semitism, which it isn't. This outrageous and transparently flawed reasoning is actually being used to strengthen authoritarian laws and action against those who choose to stand up for peace, justice, compassion, equity, accountability and an end to this tragedy.
I feel fortunate to be well away from what is happening but also very guilty that I feel unable to do more than express my horror and disgust at what is happening and at so many national leaders and others who choose to minimise Netanyahu and Israel's actions which are as close to those perpetrated by Hitler and the National Socialists in the 1930s and 1940s.
The 'Board of Peace' has *nothing* whatever to do with peace or prosperity or care or rebuilding for the Palestinian people. It is a move to divert attention from Israel's perfidy and to pursue Netanyahu's agenda of total dispossession, exclusion and extermination of the Palestine people. That so-called *democracies* are either participating in or doing little or nothing to stop Trump and Netanyahu shows just how parlous is the state of the current World order. That Putin, too, has been invited to join the Billionaire's development riches club is an insult to all who care for justice and rationality.
I am almost 80 years old, have various mobility problems and no significant wealth, though I recognise I have much more than most of the World's population. I mention this only because I care and wish that I could do more and because, given that the Prime Minister and other many other politicians of my own country, as well as many of the population, either don't see what is so evident or choose to ignore it - whether out of cowardice; that false conflation of protest against Israel with anti-semitism; or simple ignorant prejudice, has me seriously considering ending my own life, for I don't wish to live within a human race that is so blatantly sick, corrupt, malevolent, and hypocritical and which places materialism and wealth over the lives of human beings.
Roger: we require your voice.
When I die, it’ll be because I participated in armed resistance. Come get me, ICE: my Kalashnikov holds 30-round clips. Hope you like lead.
Too bad y’all don’t get to have those, Roger.
❤️🌹🪻🌸 I am consumed with rage. 🌺🌷🌼❤️
Gypsy33, on the basis of what I've read from you I believe we have many views in common and that you favour justice, rationality and peace in the World. However, I became a pacifist after a period of active service in the Middle East.
What I learned there was that the use of guns and other armaments and weapons to bring about peace is a performative contradiction and that those who suffer most are the innocent and uninvolved.
The actual fighting, suffering injuries and death is also predominantly the fate of the young, not yet physically or mentally mature, highly indoctrinated, often carrying arms unwillingly but controlled almost inevitably by men in suits, sitting far away in comfort and security and usually gaining status and wealth as a result of whatever conflict is taking place - indeed, not unusually doing so even when on the 'losing' side.
As is clear from my own various posts and comments, I too am horrified, dismayed, and angered by the failure of humanity to learn that difference is not deficit and needn't be feared but rather ought to be seen as an opportunity. I am outraged by the hypocrisy and lies of national 'leaders'. and by the hypocrisy & conditioning of religions which justify the malignancy of war with the notion that a mythical all powerful and loving 'God' is on 'our side'.
Yes, I have no doubt that I can be criticised for my stance and often by use of the argument that we have the right to defend ourselves and to stop the malevolent and dictatorial acts or attacks of others. However there is a bitter irony to that criticism when it is the very justification that demagogues such as Netanyahu and Putin and Trump use to justify their showering destruction and killing and maiming both their own forces and those resisting them.
I admit, too, that to the very limited extent I retain any ability to do so, I would use what physical capacity I have to resist others attacking, defiling or assaulting other innocents unable to defend themselves. So, I accept that such may be seen as evidence of some level of hypocrisy on my part. I am, as yet, unable to counter that criticism with any rational argument of my own. All I know is that it would be pointless and probably contribute to those I attempted to protect suffering an even worse fate.
The reality is that there is no justification for wars or armed conflict and the notional 'winners' will never be those for whom these battles are supposedly fought, History will verify that absolutely.
So, whilst I suspect that I have a fair understanding of your feelings and your rage and even share much of it, I will not let myself be consumed by such for if I do, in my view I will become complicit and not unlike my 'enemy', something I would fear more than death.
If gunmen broke into a store where you shop and started killing customers, salespeople, and cashiers, what would you do? Would you try to shoot the attackers somehow, or would you rather let them kill everyone? So that you don't look like them? Despite calling themselves people/politicians, they are just criminals who can do whatever they want in the absence of resistance! They lack exactly what makes a person human, and since they only understand violence, you can't speak any other language with them!
I understand your reasoning but it is flawed. I have already, in effect, answered your question in the comment of mine which has prompted yours. You have made common mistakes in your claims, not least by generalising from the particular and making claims that are simply untrue.
I certainly applaud your rage at the obscenities committed by those who lack compassion; who seek personal or state advantage at the expense of others; and who maim and kill with impunity.
However, what your words indicate is that you have little, if any more understanding than do 'they' and that although you may not be one of 'them', nor do what 'they' do, were you to have the opportunity, your views *may* be very different because they are based on conflict and violence as the only resolution to conflict and violence.
History shows us that such is not the case. Conflict and violence produce grief, dispossession, trauma, life-changing injuries both mental and physical, the destruction of infrastructure and homes, the treatment of the ill and infirm, the mental health of many but particularly children and the development of suspicion, mistrust and hatred which virtually ensures that humanity will fail to learn and repeat such tragedy over and over until it finally destroys itself or its planet - which is effectively the same thing.
Please forgive me! I don't speak English, I only read and write with a translator, so I probably can't convey exactly what I mean. Although I completely understand you and agree with you, what I wanted to say was that these genocidaires are no different from the ones I was making examples of. We can't look at them any differently, and they can't be stopped except with violence. I'm also against all violence, but all the violence in the world so far has happened throughout history because the meek didn't stop the violent.
And I understand that the conscience of the gentle is burdened by acts of violence, but we have to decide who we love more: the gentle victims or the violent perpetrators? But of course this is just reasoning, since we have no power to do anything against them. They have the weapons...
Ida, no apology is necessary. I understand very well how it is to speak in one language and listen in another or vice versa. Nor do I object to someone having a different view from my own, though I will criticise or point out its deficiencies if I believe that I can justify doing so.
May I also just say that, just as you may have difficulties with translation and a mistaken understanding of what I write, so too, I can only respond to what I read and that may not be what I would understand where I able to read it with a sound understanding of your language and culture.
So, I respect what you have to say and thank you for engaging. At the same time, I feel that I must point to some flaws in your argument or views, as expressed in your comment.
* "all the violence in the world so far has happened throughout history because the meek didn't stop the violent." - I can't agree. It seems to me self evident that this is a flawed statement. The violent are responsible for the violence. That someone chooses not be violent in response, does not mean that they have caused the violence, rather it means that they choose to copy it and become that of which they disapprove. Blaming the victim is common in today's world and probably always has been so. However, it is unjust and a ploy deliberately used to defend and justify perfidy. Too many people are taken in by that ploy.
* Human beings have universal characteristics, some seen as positive and some as negative - some in these ways universally and others dependent on the cultural norms from which or within which they are viewed. There are no 'good' or 'bad' people; there is no 'good' or 'evil'. These are simply human constructs, largely derived from religious conditioning used to manipulate and control the masses. 'Good' people can and do behave badly, just as 'bad' people can and do behave well.
It is a common flaw, not least in online discussion, for people to confuse the view or opinion with the person expressing it. Yet we all change our views to some degree and in some aspects depending on time, space and environment. Everything is changeable and fluid, there are no absolutes and if we claim to 'love' at all, then we must love all - again or vice versa.
* "... they can't be stopped without violence". Yes, they can. Violence begets violence, it doesn't prevent it. Contrary to what you claim, history does not show violence as having stopped violence but, on the contrary, that violence produces discontent, hatred, a desire for revenge and eventually, more violence. Far from stopping violence, violent retaliation promotes violence.
It is also untrue - though we are conditioned to believe it so - that violence cannot be stopped except by more violence - itself a paradox. The fact is that violence has on many occasions throughout history been stopped by non-violence.
As well as the obvious case of Ghandi gaining independence for India by non-violence, I'd refer you to just a few other readings of the mass of evidence there exists of effective non-violence:
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonviolence
* https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/stride-toward-freedom-montgomery-story
*https://frompoverty.oxfam.org.uk/give-peace-a-chance-because-violent-change-doesnt-have-one/
https://www.civilwarpaths.org/the-long-term-consequences-of-violent-vs-nonviolent-rebellion/
https://afsc.org/sites/default/files/documents/30%20Examples%20of%20Successful%20Non%20Violent%20Action.pdf
https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/nonviolent-conflict-summaries/
I'd also refer you to the writings of Gene Sharp and many others.
The reality is that is a ubiquitous trait of human beings to react without reason or thought but simply in haste or from instinct. Yet, we are a species of animal with enormous intelligence compared to others and it behoves us to use that intelligence. That some don't or are too self-important, greedy, uncaring, ignorant or conditioned to do so and unfortunately come to hold positions of power such that they can condemn others to fight, be maimed and/or die for their petulant stupidity and selfishness, is far from any reasonable rationale for the rest of us to mirror their actions. We are capable of better.
If we spent even a small fraction of what is given to conflict and the machinery of warfare, killing and brutality, we could fund a reasonable standard of living, safety and productive life for every person on this planet.
We will never do so if we allow the armaments manufacturers, the demagogues, the self-centred demagogues and the misguided who think that might and other forms of coercive control can pacify and manipulate a people to their whims, to win.
'Victory' from war is an illusion. It is an illusion that those who profit individually or collectively from carnage and death choose to perpetrate for their own benefit. Sadly and to the detriment of humanity, many of these who perpetrate such belief are politicians, national 'leaders' and such, indeed the very people who should know better and, in fact, often do know better - but put their own perceived interests In front of those of others. Not least, this happens because rarely are they the ones who actually suffer the fighting or its destruction.
So, I'm sorry, I wish you no ill. I don't even wish the likes of Putin, Netanyahu, Kim Jong Un, or Trump any ill, despite their distorted and insane ideas and behaviour. It just saddens me that humanity has so few who use their enormous intelligence and intellect to overcome the delusions, greed, self importance and 'god complex' of those I mention and others such as they.
I doubt that we will see a World where they don't exist because I have little doubt that they will destroy the planet and the human race before it can come about. However, I do believe that if there is any chance for humanity, it will not be a favourable one if we insist on imitating the insanity of demagogues by imitating their example.
Take care. Stay safe. ☮️
Hi Roger
You’re a good man and I suspect a better human being than I am, and yes we do have similar thoughts.
Being Palestinian-American, the genocide has made me alternately suicidal and homicidal. But will I unlive myself for the ziofilth? Never. That would be a victory for them.
I prefer to die defending myself, my people, and the ultimate right to speak up for them. Ain’t nobody gonna shut me up.
I have a number of friends who are Vietnam veterans; they largely feel as I do.
Gypsy33, I certainly don't have any desire to shut you up. Indeed, I admire your courage, determination and honesty. I also agree that all rational and informed people ought to speak up against bullying, coercion, manipulation, aggression, violence and killing by whoever and wherever.
I disagree with the use of negative epithets which, in effect, mean nothing and act against the individual who is speaking out or at least against what chance they have of attracting others to their cause and views - which is presumably the major purpose of speaking out, unless one is just 'letting of steam' so to speak.
No, I am no better a human being than are you. Had we been born in the same place, at a similar time and experienced similar lives, I think it quite likely, even probable that I would be feeling and saying as you do. Indeed, there was a time when I did think that way, in spite of being a citizen and armed forces member of the nation I considered to be the aggressor and in the wrong. They were, in fact, the aggressor and in the wrong. I was fortunate in that I was only labelled negatively by my own, ostracised, isolated, distrusted, mistreated and brought to a suicidal state, 'treated' for mental illness and finally managed to leave the armed force but branded a coward by my colleagues, despite having never baulked at any duty I was given.
They were clever in their retribution for my difference of opinion because they found the best way they could to bring me down. They put down my dog whilst I was in hospital. They put him down because none of the others there could handle him. At the time I took some satisfaction in that and it eased the loss and rage I felt. It was only later that I should have spent those hours of rage in remembering the deep connection I had with Fritz and in taking responsibility for the fact that it was not my beliefs but how I expressed them that was responsible for his death, not those who actually did the killing.
I believe that I understand - though I may be wrong - both how and why you feel as you do. I don't blame or dislike you for it. We are human beings with all the failings, flaws and positives that entails. In the main, we don't choose them. They are part nature and part nurture and it takes relatively little to produce a major difference in understanding, perspective and behaviour, even in individuals enduring similar 'fates' - if you will, though I am not a believer in fate.
The fact is that we are animals and though omnivorous, largely with carnivorous instincts and millennia of conditioning, much of it subtle and insidious, that has produced a humanity dominated by greed, selfishness; might is right; success defined by wealth; status and fame and in the nations best equipped to know and do much better, a diet of non-nutritious fast food in excessive quantities; a throw away waste mentality and built in obsolescence; a self-indulgent arrogance and dismissal of those who have less and even a disgust of those who have nothing; and perhaps worst of all, a fear and distaste of *difference* which produces resultant hostility, distrust and, frankly, irrational views and hatred.
Of course, as I indicated in my last comment, I think - I can't say what I would do where me or my family or even strangers attacked around me. I certainly don't think I would stand by and do nothing or run away but I no longer know. This is both an existential and a philosophical question, particularly when such an event is not occurring. Would I use a gun against guns if I had one? I don't know. - I will that I wouldn't because it would then destroy all I believe and feel, for I have no hatred of anyone, though I have, as have you, enormous, disturbing, and mind attacking outrage at much of human behaviour in our World.
Many feel the same way and respond as you do or similarly. Many feel hate, hurl negative epithets, make generalisations based on particulars that cannot be true and which, for that reason and because what they claim is often close to impossible to measure, they cannot know or evidence.
I am not enamoured of platitudinous idioms, adages, the nonsensical notion of 'common sense' as being an equivalent of sound reasoning and/or 'fact' but I do believe that 'violence begets violence'; that one achieves real change by modelling, rather than by coercion, the latter perhaps quickly changing behaviour on the surface but only creating even more strengthened opposition beliefs in the mind. I am also wary of self-styled intellectuals or self-aggrandising demagogues who believe and act as if they are the non-existent divine entities worshipped by many who are deceived and conditioned by religions - religions having almost certainly caused more division and tragedy within humanity than any other human creation.
Yet, I do see the sense in 'an eye for an eye' which originated with the Babylonians. However, what sense it has lies in its original intent, *not* in its current ubiquitous interpretation as an excuse for revenge which, in turn, only perpetuates conflict. 'An eye for an eye' was meant to *limit* conflict caused by retribution, not to exacerbate it. In other words, in current terms, those who devised the term would have considered that [leaving aside all other reasons for Hamas military wing incursions and killings], Israel had a fair right to kill the same number, approximately 1200, of Palestinians as Hamas fighters killed of Israelis or people in Israel during that incursion on 7 October 2023, but definitely not more than that.
I consider there to be problems even with the reasoning behind that original intent of the term - which was in fact a law in Babylonian times - however I applaud its intent to limit conflict and violence. It has some rationality if one doesn't examine the concept or retribution and context even more deeply.
Israeli misnomered 'Defence' force has now killed, at a bare minimum, over 72,000 Palestinians, injured another 170,000 and razed 80% of Gaza to the ground. - Hardly an 'eye for an eye', yet that edict is contained within the Torah.
I should stop for this is supposedly a comment and has turned into much more. The reason is that I am as enraged and passionately engaged with the current horrors and the impunity granted by world nations and [not] leaders to Trump and Netanyahu particularly and Putin to a similar but lesser extent, to build new empires and subjugate the vast majority of humanity to the absolute and horrific edicts of all. powerful individuals whose power drives them not only to corruption but blindness and insanity.
I don't know what the answer is. I don't understand all the complexities. I am not, however, fooled by the political and administrative rhetorical hypocrisies and manoeuvering for personal and state gain.
I do know, however, that maiming and killing, guns and bombs and missiles and such, are *not* the answer. They - are just a continuation of human insanity and failure to learn from its past, from its great thinkers, from its learning about morality, from its massive tragedies and from the grief felt by millions, universally, regardless of colour, creed, nationality or any other difference.
As an aside or in closing - thank you for your willingness to converse and state your feelings clearly as well as consider my own, for that is the first step to resolution of difference - and to peace in our world.
Amid all the human horrors, the real estate dealings still feel like the greatest obscenity. And amid the revolting brownshirt gestapo ICE agents prowling the US, it's still possible for me to detest Jared Kushner more than any other mass of biological material on the planet. I was going to say human cell aggregate, but truthfully, I'm not so sure.
It is as you say. BoP = parasites, grifters, genocidal helpers, murderers, war criminals, racketeers, thugs, paedophiles. Not one of these bastards has any compassion or empathy, they are as evil as all the Nazi Zionist scum put together.
"a collapse of conscience — a world order in which genocide survivors are expected to endure starvation, exposure, killings, and grief in silence, while their tormentors and their enablers rebrand devastation as diplomacy and peace."
I'm sorry to say this description fits the U.S. since its inception i.e. colonization of the Americas at the expense of the indigenous people.
The Zionist empire will fall. Hoping this happens sooner rather than later.
Trump's Board of "Peace" is a Board of Pirates, Predators, Paedophiles, and Profiteers.
I am from Vancouver,Canada and i want to say : When Fidel died in Cuba The US Gov't and its Allies taught Cuba once again would be a Colony of the USA. They forgot about the People of Cuba and the People of Cuba working together with the Cuban Gov't.
The same thing happened in Venezuela when President Maduro and his Wife, Cilia Flores were kidnapped by Special US Terrorists. All kinds of Lies were been told saying that Trump is now in charge in Venezuela. Delcy Rodriguez addressed these lies a couple of days ago and said that the Gov't of Venezuela is still in power, nothing has changed in Venezuela.
In Palestine similar lies are been told about the Yankee-Zionist Peace Board and that they will make peace in Gaza. They never mentioned the Palestinian Resistance and the support Palestine got around the world. The Palestinian Resistance and Supporters of Palestine around the world won't let the Yankee Terrorists and Israeli Zionists like Jared Kushner rule Gaza. The Palestinian Resistance is standing -up to these Yankee Terrorists and Genocidal Israeli Zionists who kill Palestinian Children and Brag about it.
The People in Palestine, Cuba, Venezuela tell the truth about what is happening in their countries. They got nothing to hide unlike The US Gov't, Genocidal Israel and their western Allies.The Palestinian Supporters in the West tell the Truth about Palestine and they get thrown in Jail for telling the truth. People in the World with Common Sense know who is in the right and who is against Humanity.
No one should be surprised by Trump’s shitshow, along with those international “leaders” who want their own piece of the pie. Russia is refusing to participate; thank you, Honorable Mr. Putin, from an admirer.
Gaza s being sold to the highest bidders. And the coming opening of the Rafah Crossing is pretty indicative of: GAZANS: LEAVE!
Nor should anyone be surprised that the genocide continues; after the Nakba, it’s been a slow-motion genocide. Now it’s an all-out in-your-face genocide and with one exception, the Stallions of Ansarallah, the world is afraid to confront a false nation the size of New Jersey run by an escapee from an insane asylum.
When this happens to YOUR country (or mine, where it’s already beginning) don’t expect any fucking sympathy from me.
May all the chickenshits die miserable deaths.
We need to keep talking about Palestine. Keep pushing back. Share on social platforms. Argue. Join www.redribbonscampaign.com
Sick World has allowed this and has normalised genocide! We need a different world without ALL those in Epstein Files, without Elite Scum, without Zionist Evil who brainwashed and controlled the world for so long.
I've always opined that evolution should've halted at the great apes. My bio students thought I was joking, but hell no, I was not.
Perhaps you are right Mr. LoPresti, it may have been for the best if the so called "Wise man" did not arise, seeing what he is capable of inflicting on his fellow sentient beings
Based on your neuroscience commentary, I'd assume you're not encouraging me to attend to an external agency such as a cloud being in lieu of the dynamics of a Complex Adaptive System of Systems. If you actually are, please count me out. If not, I'm a bit stumped by your comment.
I'm simply trying to get you to clarify your comment. I have no axe to grind. We seem to be not communicating well. I don't have energy to waste in pointless conversations.
Cockroaches have more “humanity” than Homo sapiens.
So who is gunna step up!