Dancing with Myself

Supporting Israel

My lack of enthusiasm for this latest round of war between Israel and its neighbors should not be misunderstood as lack of solidarity with Israel.  On the other hand, when I read around the Jewish blogosphere, I am appalled at the level of triumphalism and hostility towards anyone who has had the temerity to question whether Israel's resopnse was disproportionate. 

I would not presume to tell Ehud Olmert how to handle this crisis.  He has better advisors than I.  I would tell him that I wish him and his family peace.  I would tell him to do what he can to secure the release of his young warriors.  I would tell him to do what he must to stop the rocket attacks against Israel.  And I'd tell him I've got his back.  I'd also tell him to stop punishing the people of Lebanon who are not supporting Hezbollah.  I would warn him that if Lebanon has no center, Israel would, in my opinion, be a much more dangerous place.   I would not tell him his job, however.

There were two pictures in Friday's papers.  One showed a young Israeli soldier in grief at the funeral of a friend.  The other showed a crowd of Syrian women demonstrating and screaming for war.  There are no demonstrations in Israel demanding war (American supporters of Israel take note). It was not Israel that broke the truce by sneaking across the border and kidnapping the enemy.  The difference in those two pictures only serves to reinforce my allegiance.  One of the parties in this conflict has shown a willingness to engage its opponents.  It is not the Palestinians or their neighbors.

I'd like to say that Olmert and Israel are in my prayers, but I don't believe in prayer, per se, but besides that, I wouldn't pray for Israel, I'd pray for peace.  Everyone over there would benefit from that.

Coming up for Air

I've been in a manic state all summer.  All of my personalities have been going full tilt boogey.  I'm tempted to take a couple of days off and go into the woods.

As I try to regain control of the momentum, I remember that my "Off" button is internal.  It isn't necessary to go somewhere to stop going in circles.  All you've got to do is stop.  Take a deep breath.  Take another one.  And another.  Now, be here now.  Be.  Here.  Now.

And don't forget to breathe.

Dark Clouds

My building was abuzz today as the Court of Appeal heard arguments today about the constitutionality of same-sex marriage.  I was not left feeling hopeful.  I do not want to talk about it.  I'm tired of explaining why my rights are equal to those of others.  I'm tired of asking ignorant fundamentalists why they wish less for the children of Gays and Lesbians than they do for any child?  I'm tired of asking why their ignorance should confer on me a second-class status.  I'm just tired, that's all.

Maybe it's my age.  Maybe it's the age of mankind.  One of the two of us is hella old.

Friday Night Fish Wrap

I've been busy and I haven't been reflective.  That's about it.  You can't blog if you don't have something to say.  So instead, I'm visiting around and leaving comments.  I really don't have much else to say, maybe 'cept

There goes my readership.