Aren’t principles wonderful things?
They are, we are told, what forms the bedrock of the societal structures we hold dear. They are what we base our assertions of rightness on, in the face of everything that is unfair, unequal, unacceptable to our evolved, advanced and open-hearted democratic souls.
But these principles were not there, fully formed, from day one – whenever that was. They have developed over many, many years. Through much pain, anger, hate, death and destruction.
But, each time that a section of humanity is plunged into the depths of suffering by another, when the dust settles we hope that the principles that emerge will move us forward. Preserve life rather than destroy. Prevent the repetition of past iniquities.
And that should be one of our guiding principles. That we learn from history. That we see what led to the wrongs, and prevent their return.
And, as has been proved since history began – whenever that was – we singularly, and in some instances spectacularly, fail to do so.
And not always from a want of trying. So many people have tried so hard to demonstrate that the constant repetition of the same mistakes has only one result. Repetition.
And some repetitions could not be more timely in their crass stupidity.
The Israeli government has just put into law that only Jews have the right to self-determination in Israel. And, as a secondary step, they have downgraded Arabic to a ‘special status’ level.
I find it almost impossible to believe that those in power in Israel, who have pushed this through against significant opposition, cannot see the hypocritical lunacy that this is. In the country that was established as a direct result of the disenfranchising of a religion, the process is being repeated.
And done in the name of not only those in Israel, but every Jew throughout the world. In my name you have scarred me with the sign of the despot.
For anyone to claim that this move will do anything but antagonise and exacerbate is, at the very best, and absurd fool.
But, when an American buffoon gives further legitimacy to an already extremist government, what other outcome could there be.
And, although history screams NO, the arrogance of those in power grows beyond understanding.
If there was ever a moment to clarify the difference between anti-Semitism and anti-Israeli government, that moment is now.
I am angry. And sad, and heart-broken. And very, very scared for what will follow.
Those countries who claim their foundations on principles of fairness, justice and equality must stand up now and declare that the line has been crossed. Killing demonstrators at a fence hasn’t accomplished that yet. Maybe this will.
Or the next line to be crossed will be the borders of Israel. And arrogant stupidity will look to finish what was started in the 1930’s.
cherokoffdotcom 