Martial Law: Imminent Arrival?

[Greg Burnham]

Listen Mark and Lauren,

First of all I am not going to write much more about this at all. Suffice it to say: The conclusion that the two of YOU are choosing to conjure up
and then attribute to me is both absurd and intellectually dishonest. You have created a straw man. I am much easier to dismiss if you create
a weaker argument than I expressed. Indeed, I didn't express much, but you both have felt it necessary to take it to the next step.

I am quite capable of expressing my own views should I so desire. I would appreciate it if you would refrain from mis-stating my view and
lumping it in with those of others. That they may have made these giant leaps from point "A" to point "M" does not mean that is what I will
do.

Greg,

You say Mark and I are misstating your view. First, Mark and I are NOT on the same page. He is running his own show which I have disagreed on many times over the months. It's all about Israel. That's Mark, not me.

Second,let's remember what your view is quoting from #61

In my "not-so-politically-correct" opinion: Israel's major flaw is in its Public Relations ineptitude. Israel either just doesn't know how to make itself look good or it cares not
about appearances. In any event, preferring to emphasize its core values over "spin" has come at a cost to Israel's reputation. Don't misunderstand, I don't think Israel is
perfect, but neither are we Americans. Overall, I have supported and continue to support Israel. I firmly believe that Israel has come a long way. From its struggle to even
survive there remain reactionary elements both in the Israeli military as well as in Parliament. Who can blame them? Or better: Would a rational person really expect anything
different? I think not. Her neighbors' charters include the provision: "Drive the Jews into the sea" -- which is not an idle threat as evidenced by several wars initiated not by
Israel, but by those wishing to follow their charter. I'll stop there rather than attempt to over simplify a very complex region of the world.

OK: I have disagreed and still disagree. Done.

You said you liked what Phil said: he said a lot. Two parts: first was a quote from Daniel Pipes and second were some rambling thoughts ... well, Ayers, Hillary, DBA Obama, Ahmadinijad, etc. etc. The Pipes stuff was not much more than Exodus. Disagree with that construction as well...mythology.

That then sums your position? Am I now misstating your views?

You have said you have very different, more complex views. But you are not going to write about it. That's fine with me. Most discussions on the web regarding the situation in Palestine get nowhere. My explanation for that is that they turn on mythologies, which are largely in the subconscious. Hence, my references to the theme from Exodus. My story about the dual citizen Israeli was meant as a story of where one can go when we are possessed by mythologies--any mythology. And even my last post was aimed at Mark and his "it's all about Israel" mantra.

Well, you want Mark and I to stop it. Can't speak for Mark. He is on his own program. But as for me, I am totally so done with this. Let's get back talking about the martial law.

You do so seem to be on a mission, though. Good luck with that--whatever it is. You obviously have deep passion regarding this subject. It shows you care. Having said that, the "myth" to which you have been alluding does not exist in a vacuum, nor is it singular. They are multiple and they permeate BOTH sides of the debate. Sorting out truth from myth is not everyone's cup-of-tea, nor is it within the analytical abilities of many who do feel strongly about it. Passion is not necessarily accompanied by reason. Effective myth busting is often instigated by the wisdom of the poet rather than by the analysis of the belligerent.