Enough! Already! (... and mythic diversions)

[tcpip]

The Israeli invasion of Gaza continues, with the number of civilian deaths rising dramatically. Claims that Israel has been using cluster bombs and white phosphorus. Two UN schools are bombed killing forty, just after UN ambulances were hit killing paramedics. The definition of a 'terrorist' and a 'valid target'seems to get a bit rubbery according to the IDF. In contrast, Australian Jews denounce the invasion. A former Israeli soldier, and now Oxford professor, has come to some hard conclusions as a result of the invasion. Avaaz (a remarkably effective group) has a cease-fire petition, which I urge all to sign and pass on. Also, go vote for Prof. Juan Cole's 'blog Informed Comment as Best Middle East or Africa 'Blog.

I sometimes find myself drawn into this discussion and over the years have found myself increasingly in support of the "one (democratic, secular) state solution". The partition of Palestine was perhaps the worst early decision made by the United Nations and was not supported by any neighbouring state or by the former colonial power. Under such circumstances it is hardly surprising that there have been seemingly endless violence and wars as a consequence. Resolving the issue would involve ending the pseudo-soveriegnity (as Hannah Arendt put it) of a Jewish state in favour of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Apart from applying laws equally over what it is currently Israel and the occupied territories, it would involvd ending existing discriminatory institutions and laws (e.g., Knesset Election Law, the control of the Israel Land Administration by the Jewish National Fund, the Law of Return, Nationality Law etc) would have to be abolished in favour of secular alternatives. Of course, having such considered opinions does attract detractors; dear readers, I present you my own troll from Tel Aviv.

Have engaged in a few mythic diversions of late. Last Sunday's RuneQuest Prax game included defeating the witch-queen of disease and visiting a moment of the non-sequential reality that is the Godtime. darknova666's character jumped between misfortune and elation on several occassions in the scenario. On a further Gloranthan theme I've introduced The Crimson Bat in my HeroQuest pbem. Have also extracted and modified the review of Pathfinder from the latest issue of RPG Review (issue #3 already has three articles, awesome!) to submit to RPG.net. On an oddly related topic, on Sunday week I'm presenting on "A Unitarian-Univeralist View of the Economic Crisis" - how's that related? Afterwards we're playing Credo: The Game of Duelling Dogmas, which is attracting some interest from members of the congregation.

Comments

[ninboydean.livejournal.com]

It is frustrating to live in the U.S. and see all the liberal trash about how "they're animals" etc.. I've been watching the conflict intently, and even still I am equally irritated by the disgusting, racist attitude prevalent here.

Of course, I am deeply concerned by the present drama. A few good notes:

Ramattan News is a Pal - based independent news source with very good coverage of the war.

Donating to Christian Aid's Middle East Appeal Fund or signing letters can directly help Gazans.

Out of all the people I see blog about these issues, you are one of the most consistent, level-headed and humanist. Keep up the good work!

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the kind comments (such remarks make me realise I'm not just howling at the moon in despair) and for the links.

The assignment of an entire population as subhuman, due to the actions of some, makes atrocities committed against said population acceptable to some.

One can reach new levels of moral disengagement where, by extension, children are considered to be morally responsible as well. Such was Justin Raimondo's excellent article on the mid-east and invasion of Iraq.

http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig5/raimondo1.html