A number of years ago, a neighbor of mine had a bout of insanity. Really insane, cuckoo stuff. He started ranting about how I was the cause of all his problems, and I didn't deserve to live. Eventually, he burnt down my house and killed several members of my family.

Well that was long time ago. He says he's better now. He's been to see therapists and does seem to be normal, or at least closer to normal. We're not exactly best friends, but we're basically cordial.

Recently, he invited some people to come stay in his basement. I admit that they have had a hard life, but here's the thing. They blame me for all their problems, say that I don't deserve to live, and that the neighbor screwed up when he didn't kill my whole family in the fire.

I've complained to the neighbor about why he is doing this. He says that it was the humanitarian thing to do. They have a hard life, and I should try to be more tolerant and accepting. It is all a big misunderstanding, and he is shocked that I would impugn his motives.

Does anyone remember the sampan massacre scene from Apocalypse Now?

That's the scene where the boat chief stops an innocent-looking sampan on the river, loaded with Vietnamese civilians. The crew is weary, jittery and well-armed, and shoots everyone when a young girl moves towards what turns out to be her little puppy.

The girl is alive for a few moments, and the chief wants to bring her to a field hospital. Willard rebukes him and shoots her through the heart.

That's kind of where we are now regarding immigration. We have military forces all over the world, shooting people and blowing up their homes, etc. Then we move the survivors into various nations out of some sense of obligation.

Now, consider that the British, the Americans and "the Israelis" (I put the name in quotes because of all the name changes over the years) have been involved in the Middle East since the end of World War 2. It should be no surprise that there's been trouble when one reviews what's been going on over the years.

quote:

Originally posted by Fenris:
Eventually, he burnt down my house and killed several members of my family.

We're not exactly best friends, but we're basically cordial.

Not sure of the point of all that, but how is this neighbor not in jail for burning down your house and committing several occurrences of homicide?

quote:

Originally posted by zipriderson:

quote:

Originally posted by Fenris:
Eventually, he burnt down my house and killed several members of my family.

We're not exactly best friends, but we're basically cordial.

Not sure of the point of all that, but how is this neighbor not in jail for burning down your house and committing several occurrences of homicide?

His neighbor is Germany.

Very interesting thread. Even more interesting to sit back and watch who answered, & what they wrote.

I got a big kick when I joined SF years ago blatantly listing my home town as Miami Beach, and clearly identified as a MD. Can't get more stereotypical than that. My mom is proud.

Ha'Meyvin Ya'vin. Translated from Hebrew - those who understand, will understand. Kind of like haters gonna hate, etc.. it's been forever, will continue. It's visceral.

SigMonkey put it to words very eloquently. I'm not that talented.
It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks - we were chosen. Sure there is a real intense and esoteric reason, but to a simpleton like me - we were chosen to get our asses kicked, until we decided not to get them kicked anymore.

I am not a Democrat, not a Liberal, but I am an orthodox Jew. Go figure. I've posted many times trying to explain that most observant or traditional Jews with critical thought paths are the exact opposite. I can't clearly understand why so many of us seem to go down that road, except for cowardice, which was, and is, brought on by so much of the hate thrown our way. It's not an excuse. It just is. I had the cowardice forced out of me in combat.

I care not what anyone thinks about that, or me. Addressing the land issue: I've seen Jewish archeological remains, and have physically touched the remnants that showed Jews lived in Israel for thousands of years. Never once saw a Palestinian artifact, mosaic, urn, cup, coin, or building Its one of reasons I am orthodox - or observant. I lived it, fought for it (used IMI Ammo probably - it works well enough). Saw fellow Jews fight for it, get wounded, get killed. We do tend to take it very personally. Every soldier, every Jew harmed or killed hurts. So to those who want to push a little, enjoy. If you don't like Chasidim, don't like to live near them, that's ok as long as you don't harm them. To those who want to push a lot, or would like to try going after our land or our people, we've been bloodied a whole lot. We're still here, and know how to return the favor, thank you very much.

Really well said Doc. Thanks for posting this. Thank you for your service.