25 February 2009

The Militarism of the State of Israel

Who, or what, does the militarism of the State of Israel serve? Anyone?

I argue not. I argue that this militarism serves no one. Not Israelis. Not Jews. Not Americans. Certainly not Palestinians.

Maybe you can argue that it serves the interests of US Imperialism in the Middle East. Maybe you can argue that it serves the interests of the military industrial complex (and associated interests.) But it does not.

This timeless quotation speaks to that:
"What is morally wrong can never be advantageous, even when it enables you to make some gain that you believe to be to your advantage." – Marcus Tullius Cicero (January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC)
Militarism and violence truly serve no one. Militarism and violence, and hate, only serve the cause of destruction, and social and environmental degradation.

I support Israel. I support a Jewish homeland, and a refuge from a world that all too often targets people, or groups of people, based on differences. I am not against Israel. But Israel's treatment of the Palestinian people is unacceptable and intolerable. The subjugation, the systematic racism, the apartheid - a situation that can rightly be described as bordering on genocide - is totally unacceptable.

This situation is not only wrong for Palestinians. It is also wrong and harmful for Israelis.

If Israel wants peace, then it must treat Palestinians like human beings. Israel will have to afford Palestinian people the dignity and respect they deserve as human beings. It's really that simple.

The violence committed by Palestinians against Israelis is no more acceptable than the violence committed by Israelis against Palestinians. No more, and no less, acceptable. The difference is that Palestinians have been subjected, for decades now, to oppression, including but certainly not limited to forced re-locations, and all sorts of humiliating and harmful actions committed by the State of Israel. Palestinians act out in violence - they react - because they are so utterly oppressed and impoverished, they also act in a self-defense that I believe can rightly be argued as more legitimate than any such notion of self-defense by the State of Israel.

Yes, the situation is horrible. If it is to get better, both sides will have to be able to sit down across from each other at the same table. This can only happen if Israel is willing. Palestinians are willing to talk. Why isn't Israel?

Is it because the State of Israel is not willing to share land with Palestinians?

It is time for reconciliation on this matter. The subjugation of Palestinians by the Israelis and the State of Israel is intolerable. I will leave you with this quote that gets to the heart of social and environmental degradation:
"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." - Aldo Leopold (January 11, 1887 – April 21, 1948)
Peace be unto you.

We will all be served by a society and a culture which seeks justice, fairness, equity and equitableness. Let us work toward egalitarianism.

Counter fear, violence and hate — with love. Replace conquest with cooperation. Peace is the way. Be peace.

9 comments:

  1. Who does the militarism of Hamas serve? What would Thich Nhat Hanh say about their methods? Do you have a single criticism of any country in the Middle East, other than Israel? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Berd: You wrote "The subjugation of Palestinians by the Israelis and the State of Israel is intolerable."

    Can you please write a blog entry that states the "subjugation of women by the majority of Muslim countires is intolerable."

    What are your views on the subjucation of women in many Arab countries?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Suicide bombings=Peace. I get it now. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jews cannot be citizens of Jordan or own land. Do you oppose this racist regime?

    Let me guess, there is some rationale for this that you find acceptable.

    ReplyDelete
  5. A picture of what Berd believes to be a "Peace Activist":

    http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42370000/jpg/_42370535_hamasrpg_ap203b.jpg

    ReplyDelete
  6. ha. anonymous. why are you anonymous!?

    Please. You are putting words into my mouth.

    The basic reason why I feel so strongly about the wrongful actions of the State of Israel is because of the relationship between Israel and my government, the USA.

    If the USA was providing some $30 Billion dollars annually in military and other support to some other criminal regime, then I would oppose that too.

    The State of Israel is an intolerable oppressor. Americans, Israelis, and Palestinians all would do well to recognize the common problem they have in the State of the USA, and Israel. Both of these States are causing this problem.

    Stop the violence!

    Stop degrading Palestinians.

    Stop the Apartheid and Israeli occupation of Palestinian Territories!

    ya.

    ReplyDelete
  7. hi, anonymous.

    I think the essential fact that you're missing here is that the State of Israel is the aggressor. The State of Israel is committing what are widely alleged and held to be crimes against humanity, and crimes against peace...

    Please understand that essential reality.

    Berd

    ReplyDelete
  8. You absolutely refuse to condemn arab violence don't you?

    Here's your chance to put words in your own mouth: Do you support Hamas suicide bombings or not? Do you support Jordan's racist regime? Do you suppot separate roads for Muslims and non-Muslims in Saudia Arabia?

    http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=22587&Cr=middle&Cr1=east

    Any thoughts, other than the obvious "Well, that isn't true in Israel, where two females have won presidential elections?"

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm asking why you refuse to criticize any Arab countries for any reason. Please tell us, Berd, when violence and hate are OK. You remain conspicuously silent about some acts of violence, racism, and hate. A


    What would Thich Nhat Hanh say about Hamas suicide bombings and random rocket fire?

    Here's your chance to put your own words in your mouth--go!

    ReplyDelete