Susan, the point I was making...

Submitted by Rick House (United States), May 14, 2007 at 01:58

Dear Susan,

My aim was not to offend you or anyone, rather it was intended to point out how the rhetoric expressed in this forum is somewhat dictatorial at times. When I read Jeorji's list, I found it decidedly one-sided and without a hint of compromise. Personally, I don't see a solution to the search for moderate muslims if in our search we seek to strip them bare before we ask them for their assistance... If we are to join together in a common cause to rid the world of extremism and terrorism, we must approach the table with some sort of civility and tact.

In response to your comments I'd like to say the following:

Yes, there are palestinians. They came into being the moment they as a people decided to refer to themselves as such... Where do you think Americans, Canadians, and yes, Israelis came from? To deny that simple fact speaks volumes as to the quality of Israel's schooling.

As for my statement about war crimes... First, I accuse no Israeli of war crimes. I only find it remarkable that nation at war since its beginning has had no public judicial cases about the actions of its soldiers. I point out this observation only because of the many cases that have come to light in recent years in the American military. In every war we've fought throughout our history there has been episodes of misconduct. I only ask myself why the same is not found in Israel's military.

Yes, the Bible and the Torah have been reinterpreted over time. I agree. But I also must point out that they were reinterpreted by the followers of these selfsame religions. They were not reinterpreted by persons of another faith... As for the roots of Western law I think you will find many of our laws have ties to the Bible just like many of the laws of Israel come from the history and laws written in the Torah.

In America funding religious organizations is seen as part of our freedom of religion and speech. I plan to continue to give to any group I consider worthy of my support. However, I do not support any group or organization that promotes violence.

While I depise nazism, I must point out that only two countries have laws against its practice. (Germany and Israel) I believe these laws were written and enforced for good reason. However, being an American, I will fight for anyone's right to believe and speak on any subject no matter how stupid as long as it doesn't incite violence.

Susan, in closing I'd like to say that my particular point of view is shaped by the freedoms I've always enjoyed as an American. I know that in other parts of the world people are not allowed to see the gray between black and white. They exist on the knife's edge. If they don't fight, they die or their loved ones surely will... I pray that this is not the case and that somehow reason and compromise will find their way to the light of day.

Rick House

Denton, TX

Ps: It's a fallacy to think of Americans as ignorant of the world's condition. Our perspective is like no other people on the face of the earth.

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