I could correct some of this, but hardly think that it is worth doing
anymore. Most people prefer fiction to fact.

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael H Collis [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2002 5:19 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Hi there!!! (Asbestos anyone?)

This is the controversial topic I've been thinking about for the past
few weeks, ever since we started talking about the terrorists, Islam,
Hitler and the Jews, and the atrocities done in the past.   I find the
situation facing Israel and the Palestinians very ironic, in that in
some respects, I see parallels in what Israel is doing to the
Palestinians and what Nazi Germany did to the Jews.  I know the
situations aren't the same, but I think enough similarities exists to
make me pause and wonder which side is right, and which side is wrong.
The modern state of Israel has only been in existence for the past 50
odd years; before, I don't know what it was.  I do know that the Israeli
government took land away from the Palestinians and made them leave and
settle somewhere else, and that the land is a major point of contention
between Israeli and Palestinians.  Do the Israeli's have ownership of
the land due to the United Nations' decree, and are the Palestinians'
protests that the Israeli's are trying to eliminate their culture
without merit?  I wish I had answers that were satisfying to me, because
I know where both groups are coming from, and I can empathize with both.
I just don't think there are any easy answers, and that's why I cringe
inwardly whenever someone starts blaming one side or the other.  I only
know that violence begets more violence.  Jesus taught a third way
between violence and pacifism.  The older I get, the more his words ring
true to me.

I'll put on my asbestos suit now!!!!!!!!!  :)
Mike