Dangerous Waters

I haven't posted in a while, mostly because between schvitzing, unpacking, working, and more schvitzing (and maybe a little sleep and nosh), I've been too buzy and/or too tired. However, I think most people can cite the major Jewish news topics for the past few weeks, and I'll now boldly go where I probably shouldn't go in discussing them.

First off, allow me to comment on Mel Gibson. Obviously, he's not well in the head, and I don't particularly like his points of view. However, is it wrong of me to think he has the right to his opinion, however demented it may be, so long as he does nothing violent or harmful as a consequence?

Secondly, the Middle East. I'll start simple - I don't like terrorists. I don't like rockets, bombs, missles, or other deadly devices being aimed at good, innocent people. However, I apply that last sentence to both sides, even when I can identify a "good guy" in the fight. I agree that groups like Hezbollah, acting through violence as their primary means of action, need to be defended against, but I want deeply to believe there's a way to do it other than exterminating them, and in the process exterminating thousands of others who may not feel the same way. I realize this point of view may be overly idealistic, but I just can't bring myself to say that I support Israel without reservation - at some point, the wars must stop.

I am a Jew; I am an American; I am NOT an Israeli; and I am a human being. One day I hope that last statement will mean that I'm more than just an animal fighting for survival. Until then, may God bless and forgive us all.