You have to understand, that, as a jewish kid growing up in the 50's, the State of Israel was presented to us as a miraculous, holy Land, filled with grateful survivors of horrible events and young, cheerful, hard-working, robustly-singing communal optimists.
Now, almost 60 years later, the citizens of Gaza are experiencing horrible events. Yes, there is blame on both sides, but it appears that Israel is intentionally acting to dramatically increase the local misery of the Gaza public, with electricity and water shortages accompanied by the uncertain fear that random bombing brings to children.
Are things really this desperate, that they must prosecute this war like this? For many years now, I have felt like the glorious Israeli republic of my youth has morphed into just another hated oppressor, like the many such tyrannies chronicled in our holy book.
No, I have never visited Israel, and, no, I can't understand how things must look to Israeli citizens. I am unqualified to make any judgements, on this and many other topics. The world is a big, complicated place, and its inhabitants have long memories, elaborate communications channels, and great weapons.
Meanwhile, the stories about flooding in the Northeast US are being supplanted by stories of flooding in India, and NPR is running a story about the Army Corps of Engineers and their endless War on Flooding.
Sure looks like it's going to be a lovely day in Portland. Around 6 pm, about 20 people are converging on our house - we are hosting a 50th Birthday party for one of our best friends. Since we got back from our trip, we have been working, both in the yard and in the kitchen, to get ready for this.
Happy holiday weekend, everybody.
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