re: #24 marjoriemoon

I did see your page on the Qabbani, but I pretty much stopped reading and went elsewhere when I got to the “trash” part because that language coming from a Mufti made me very uncomfortable. I don’t know a lot about the situation in Lebanon with the Palestinians, but it can’t be good if he was that pissed in a public enough way to make international news.

I’ll just have to wallow in my ignorance on the Lebanese aspect for a while longer since at present my main focus is getting a grip on the basics of Judaism, Zionism, and the creation of the (modern) state of Israel. That right there is enough to keep me busy for a good long while. FWIW, I knew a lot of Palestinians back in Texas, so I’m already somewhat familiar with their side of the story.

Loathing is strong, yes, but I’ve had many Muslim friends over the years, Palestinian, Lebanese and Syrian, to be exact. We never discussed politics. I feel it’s better to avoid it and rather find things in common.

Finding things in common is usually the best place to start, IMO. I don’t shy away from tough subjects in real life, but neither do I want to throw away friendships over them. I guess what friends can safely talk about depends on the strength & value of the friendship, and each party’s willingness or ability to step back when it looks like the Rubicon is about to be crossed.

If I truly love & value my friend, then winning an argument or having the satisfaction of driving home my point isn’t worth deeply hurting her (or him). Losing a good friend is a no-win option to me because I wouldn’t waste time befriending someone if I didn’t think they were a truly decent, caring person despite their imperfections (of which I also have plenty). Friends are too hard to find. Or maybe I’m too picky. :)