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A Plague on Both Your Houses

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One of the most difficult challenges in life is finding the proper balance in a hotly contested situation. Such, for example, is the case in the conflict between Israel and Gaza. I have not weighed in primarily because I have my doubts about the actions of both sides.

Some people get angry about any “Both Sides Are Wrong” argument, electing to stand 100% behind one of the combatants. Where I myself stand is more like a sliding scale. The percentages below are to be interpreted as percent to blame:

  • Hamas – 95% wrong. Their attack was totally reprehensible.
  • Bibi Netanyahu – 60% wrong. The enemy is Hamas, not the whole Arab world.
  • West Bank Settlers – 80% wrong. Their land grabs are indefensible.
  • Hezbollah – 50% wrong
  • Biden Foreign Policy on the Conflict – 30% wrong.
  • Gaza Civilians – 10% wrong. To the extent that they support Hamas.
  • Israeli Civilians – 10% wrong. To the extent they support West Bank land grabs.

From week to week, these percentages change. I would not shed a tear is Hamas were wiped out to a man, though I feel that our 100% support for Israel ignores the innocent Palestinians who deserve better.

Truth is not something that suddenly dawns when you’ve read an irate tweet or Facebook post. It is something that you arrive at in time if you have an open mind. Until such time as that happens, it is no shame to decline to state an opinion.

4 thoughts on “A Plague on Both Your Houses”

  1. To make a point with violence is always wrong so to make a counterpoint with violence is not only equally wrong but provides credence to the initial action. Until such time as we can all say “my opinions may change but under no circumstances will I ever change my vow to not kill another human to support them” then perhaps we all have to take some responsibilit

    I firmly believe that most ordinary citizens on both sides would have begun with, more or less, this attitude. But the more atrocities they witness coming from alleged representatives of the other side the weaker such resolve will become.

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