Reply #8: You said, [View All]

[msmcghee]

DW: "The attacks on those who even dare ask for an honest discussion have devolved into demonization. "

In some cases they do. In other cases people on each side of the issue have been able to carry on a discussion and learn more about the others' views. It's a violent conflict and people are dying and people's lives are being damaged on both sides. It takes effort to not let one's emotions control the discussion. I struggle with that all the time.

DW: "I find myself wondering if my country has been overly influenced by the Israel can do no wrong crowd, or the Israel must expand so we can have the rapture soon crowd, or just simply the what the fuck, there is gold in them darn hills of dead people crowd."

I think the majority of Americans believe that Israel is in the moral right as far as the basics, if not always in the details - and that Israel's Arab enemies have irrational motives and should not be attacking the citizens of Israel. That majority of Americans elects our leaders who decide what to do with our tax money. I don't think the "crowds" you mention have much influence compared to the majority of Americans who just think it's right to stand by one's allies and assist them when they are attacked.

DW: "Whatever the reason may be, I no longer wish to be funding it."

I can appreciate that - even though we disagree on the underlying issue.