You are correct in your assessment, in my view. Good work, Mark. No simple answers fit complex conflicts except stopping the violence and seeking justice, without which, there's never lasting peace.
Thank for this, Mark. Most of the news I am reading (I don't have TV) sounds like Israel is being set up as the "good guy" and Hamas is the "bad guy". While I agree that Hamas' attack on Israel was barbaric aggression, the fact that the people that are literally trapped in Gaza are helpless targets is being atrociously down-played.
You're welcome, and thanks Susan - The people trapped in Gaza should be another huge factor considered as both sides move forward. My fear is that both sides are just going to revert to their old, entrenched strategies of - eliminate the enemy at any cost. Only when each side acknowledges that they've never been able to destroy their respective enemies in the past, can they actually move forward to potentially peaceful and enduring settlements.
Mark, I'm surprised no one else has commented ... yet. This is a very valuable piece, and I thank you. As a Buddhist, I feel like I'm always in the middle (the Buddha's Middle Way, come to think of it), looking at both sides, acknowledging and feeling the trauma and suffering for ALL beings on BOTH sides. I was heartened to read this. Again ... thank you. Also, thank you for reminding us of Rachel Corrie. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.
Hi again Jeanne - I really appreciated your comments and while out mowing the lawn on this most glorious fall day, was thinking that I should have responded to your first comment about "nobody else commenting yet." I only have sixty-one subscribers so I hit a dead-end pretty quickly. I fully recognize that minimizing conflict is a very small niche / audience, so I especially appreciate your presence and now help, via restacking.
I truly do appreciate the kudus. I'm averaging about two new subscribers per month so if you ever notice anything that I might improve on, please feel free to let me know. Best regards, Mark
Thank you, Jeanne. I hesitated to even write this piece because I am seriously trying to move away from politics. But, seeing nothing in the main news feeds about the complexity of this issue, left me no choice.
The "Middle Way" is not something that I remember reading of, but with rare exception, it certainly seems like one of the better targets available. Healthy minds of intelligent people so often have different perspectives that yield different ideas and priorities. Which of those AREN'T worth listening to? Thanks again and please consider restacking if you're so moved.
You are correct in your assessment, in my view. Good work, Mark. No simple answers fit complex conflicts except stopping the violence and seeking justice, without which, there's never lasting peace.
Thanks Manuel - we're on the same page here especially regarding movement toward any sustainable peace.
Thank for this, Mark. Most of the news I am reading (I don't have TV) sounds like Israel is being set up as the "good guy" and Hamas is the "bad guy". While I agree that Hamas' attack on Israel was barbaric aggression, the fact that the people that are literally trapped in Gaza are helpless targets is being atrociously down-played.
You're welcome, and thanks Susan - The people trapped in Gaza should be another huge factor considered as both sides move forward. My fear is that both sides are just going to revert to their old, entrenched strategies of - eliminate the enemy at any cost. Only when each side acknowledges that they've never been able to destroy their respective enemies in the past, can they actually move forward to potentially peaceful and enduring settlements.
Mark, I'm surprised no one else has commented ... yet. This is a very valuable piece, and I thank you. As a Buddhist, I feel like I'm always in the middle (the Buddha's Middle Way, come to think of it), looking at both sides, acknowledging and feeling the trauma and suffering for ALL beings on BOTH sides. I was heartened to read this. Again ... thank you. Also, thank you for reminding us of Rachel Corrie. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.
Hi again Jeanne - I really appreciated your comments and while out mowing the lawn on this most glorious fall day, was thinking that I should have responded to your first comment about "nobody else commenting yet." I only have sixty-one subscribers so I hit a dead-end pretty quickly. I fully recognize that minimizing conflict is a very small niche / audience, so I especially appreciate your presence and now help, via restacking.
Happy to, Mark! You need a bigger audience because your content is really good. Hope you keep growing!
I truly do appreciate the kudus. I'm averaging about two new subscribers per month so if you ever notice anything that I might improve on, please feel free to let me know. Best regards, Mark
Thank you, Jeanne. I hesitated to even write this piece because I am seriously trying to move away from politics. But, seeing nothing in the main news feeds about the complexity of this issue, left me no choice.
The "Middle Way" is not something that I remember reading of, but with rare exception, it certainly seems like one of the better targets available. Healthy minds of intelligent people so often have different perspectives that yield different ideas and priorities. Which of those AREN'T worth listening to? Thanks again and please consider restacking if you're so moved.
Done!