Below is an exchange between a Libertarian Friend and my Liberal self. thinkingblue
Friend, I have an idea that we are close in our ideas on this one, too. What do you think?
TEN Facts about Israel’s Massacre against the Gaza Freedom Flotilla
A Friend of thinkingblue
Hi My Friend, If you say it's sad and hopeless, then we can agree. Why? Because human beings lack empathy (especially in large groups). People just can't get it through their thick skulls that we are all the same. They continuously form groups of like-minded (especially in hate) so they can stick together while disparaging (and trying to destroy) those who are different from themselves. (Whether the difference be in thought or appearance.)
When one group is so demoralized (as were the Jews in Nazi Germany) and they are determined not to ever allow this to happen again... For some strange reason, in their grand efforts to not be victims, they become the bullies who brutalized them in the first place. (Remember the Stanford Prison Experiment.)
The flotilla attack was despicable but deep inside myself I can somewhat understand Israel's overkill tactics (although I believe it illogical). They fear attacks from the lands bordering their own to such a degree that almost everything is conceived as some sort of threat. Their fears keep them in bondage and force them to become ruthless. It's like a vicious cycle... the more they act upon their fears the more fear they generate. That's the hopeless part.
Maybe someday in the far, far future, human beings will evolve into a more peace-like creature but don't hold your breath, I believe we humans will suffer a great deal, mostly at our own hands and we may even push our species to extinction. (If global warming doesn't beat us to it.)
Do I sound pessimistic? When it comes to human existence, you bet I am.
Thanks,
Your Friend
thinkingblue
PS: A Liberal friend of mine just brought the below article and video to my attention. It recapitulates to me, that for the most part we humans have a long way to go to become peace like.
Irish-American Ken O'Keefe Recounts His Experience On The Mavi Marmara And In Israeli Detention