posted on Aug, 27 2009 @ 10:46 AM
reply to post by Rook1545
I'm not an Israeli apologist. That would require me to apologise for them. I don't apologise for Israelis, I support them. I think they're the good
guys. See the difference?
The fact that I defend Israelis against some of the most vicious attacks on these forums does not infer that I harbour ill will towards Palestinians
or Muslims. The two simply don't equate and if you think they do you are making base and simplistic judgements against me.
As far as I'm concerned the conflict is not between Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Muslims, or whatever. It's bigger than that. It's between
liberalism and totalitarianism. It's between tolerance and intolerance. It's between systems of governance and society - democracy verses
totalitarianism. That's what this conflict has
always been about.
Should Palestinians get a better deal? Yes. Should the UNRWA camps be dismantled and the refugees be given homes and jobs? Yes. Should Palestinians
have the freedom to run their own lives? Of course. Should we be building bridges and tolerance between these two different cultures? Hell yes.
Who do I trust to facilitate that? A liberal, free democracy that cares for its weakest members and respects its minorities, or a totalitarian state
run by the most powerful and the most ruthless?
At the moment I have the freedom to say "I support Israel". Just as others have the freedom to say "I support Hezbollah". I respect other
peoples' right to hold and express opinions - although I also have the right to (politely) challenge or debate them - and I would like to see that
reciprocated. And I would like to live in a world where it's okay have controversial opinions without worrying about being threatened, silenced or
ridiculed.