georgeob1 wrote:Foxfyre wrote:[Why is it so unacceptable for the Jews who have experienced thousands of years of discrimination and/or oppression to now have a tiny plot of land encompassing the area of no more than 3 or 4 U.S. counties as a haven for displaced Jews? How is being Zionist contrary to a concept of peace and justice?
The remedy for historical oppression, intolerance, and unequal treatment directed at one group of people is not more oppression, intolerance and unequal treatment directed by them at yet another group of people - even if the terretorial extent of it is limited.
Moreover, from the perspective of the victims here - the previous Palestinian inhabitants of Israel - the historical oppression of the Jews, which is used to rationalize what has happened to them, was done, not by them, but by others.
Those arguing in defense of Israel, however, aren't dealing with perspectives. We are dealing with the realities.
Until the international community can assure Israel that it will defend and protect Israel and punish those who violate the peace, I don't see how Israel has any choice but to protect itself in whatever way it deems necessary. Based on their own statements, the reality is that given an opportunity to do so, the Arabs will do away with Israel.
The way I see it, is that once the Palestinians a) acknowledge Israel's right to exist and b) pledge to be law abiding productive citizens of Israel and join with other Israelis to defend it, then Israel has no excuse of any kind to deny any rights, services, or privileges to the Palestinians that are afforded any of their other million + Arab citizens who are experiencing no oppression or disadvantage of any kind as citizens of Israel.
As I have said, if the Palestinians take that step and Israel does not then accommodate the needs and rights of those Palestinians who choose to live in Israel, I'll join with you in condemning Israel.
Until then, I think my arguments, most of which you are ignoring
, continue to be both reasonable and valid.
