I've added BlogRolling to my sidebar. Yup, Dreams Into Lightning is gettin' all high-tech and stuff ...
2004-12-04
2004-12-03
"Democracy for the Middle East"
A recent addition to my blogroll is the site Democracy for the Middle East, which promotes just that. It's also a great resource for information on neoconservative thought, and has some great articles and links on Leo Strauss. DFME also has an introduction to Leo Strauss here.
One of the main points brought up by DFME (and by Strauss) is that the United States and Europe have fundamentally different interpretations of liberalism; and in an interesting parallel, the US and Israel have different interpretations of Zionism.
A recent post quoting Rabbi Shmuley Boteach contains the following remarkable statement:
Many religious Jews would consider such a comparison heretical, but not Rabbi Boteach. It is this same reconciliation of the particularizing and universalizing trends in Judaism (and, even more so, in Zionism) that appears to have informed Strauss's political philosophy.
From what I have read of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, I believe Rav Kook's outlook was similar. One of my most important teachers, Rabbi Baruch Melman, expressed a similar idea when he expounded on the symbolism of Sinai and Jerusalem, which represent the universalistic and particularistic aspects of the Jewish worldview. Once the semester ends (finals are next week) I hope to get some serious reading done and post some more on the subject.
As I've argued previously on Dreams Into Lightning, I think one reason the old order finds Judaism (and in particular its political expression, Zionism) so threatening is that, properly understood, it calls for a renunciation of the aggressor/victim paradigm. It calls on us to transcend a basic aspect of human nature - our elemental response to a sense of grievance - and insists that we place the ideal of justice ahead of simple retribution. It asks us to participate in the moral struggle and deal with the challenges of power and freedom. This is the challenge before us - it is our "great work".
Meanwhile, go read Democracy for the Middle East.
One of the main points brought up by DFME (and by Strauss) is that the United States and Europe have fundamentally different interpretations of liberalism; and in an interesting parallel, the US and Israel have different interpretations of Zionism.
A recent post quoting Rabbi Shmuley Boteach contains the following remarkable statement:
In Israel, one can sense and feel God's holy presence. Thanks largely to evangelical Christians, the same is true today of the United States.
Many religious Jews would consider such a comparison heretical, but not Rabbi Boteach. It is this same reconciliation of the particularizing and universalizing trends in Judaism (and, even more so, in Zionism) that appears to have informed Strauss's political philosophy.
From what I have read of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, I believe Rav Kook's outlook was similar. One of my most important teachers, Rabbi Baruch Melman, expressed a similar idea when he expounded on the symbolism of Sinai and Jerusalem, which represent the universalistic and particularistic aspects of the Jewish worldview. Once the semester ends (finals are next week) I hope to get some serious reading done and post some more on the subject.
As I've argued previously on Dreams Into Lightning, I think one reason the old order finds Judaism (and in particular its political expression, Zionism) so threatening is that, properly understood, it calls for a renunciation of the aggressor/victim paradigm. It calls on us to transcend a basic aspect of human nature - our elemental response to a sense of grievance - and insists that we place the ideal of justice ahead of simple retribution. It asks us to participate in the moral struggle and deal with the challenges of power and freedom. This is the challenge before us - it is our "great work".
Meanwhile, go read Democracy for the Middle East.
2004-12-02
Bush: Iraq Elections Must Happen On Schedule
President Bush has refused to back down on holding national elections in Iraq on January 30, 2005, as scheduled. According to news reports, the Chief rejected calls from some political parties for postponing the elections, saying, 'It's time for Iraqi citizens to go to the polls.'
Providing some perspective on the various parties' attempts to delay the vote, Omar at Iraq the Model writes:
The Iraqi National Congress also stands firm on the election date:
The sooner Iraqis get to take an active role in choosing their own future, the better. The elections should take place as scheduled.
(Besides which, I confess I am a little bit partial to the January 30 date: it's my birthday.)
Providing some perspective on the various parties' attempts to delay the vote, Omar at Iraq the Model writes:
Some of these parties cannot think beyond their partisan interests and it seems they want things to calm down in the so-called Sunni triangle so that more Sunnis participate in the elections. This seems like a reasonable demand, but the problem is that they do not seek that as much as they seek to strengthen their own individual and partisan positions.
The Iraqi National Congress also stands firm on the election date:
Delay in holding the elections will be a delay in the restoration of full sovereignty to Iraq. It will also be a delay of withdrawal of foreign troops. The INC upholds that the legitimacy of the Iraqi government is based on the Transitional Administrative Law (TAL), which clearly states in Art.2.b.2. that elections must be held no later than 31 January 2004. Moreover, Art. 3 of the TAL reconfirms the January election timetable by stipulating that “likewise, no amendment may be made that could abridge in any way the rights of the Iraqi people…; extend the transitional period beyond the timeframe cited in this Law; delay the holding of elections to a new assembly”. The TAL is also reinforced in United Nations Security Resolution 1546 that also refers to date for the elections which must be respected.
The sooner Iraqis get to take an active role in choosing their own future, the better. The elections should take place as scheduled.
(Besides which, I confess I am a little bit partial to the January 30 date: it's my birthday.)
Iraq Checkpoint
Mohammed at ITM has a great new post about his recent experiences while riding a bus through a dangerous stretch of road near Latifiyah. Passing through first an IP and then and ING checkpoint, the passengers' fear and worry were soon replaced by confidence and trust. Go read the post.
2004-12-01
Sudan Campaign Update
The anti-slavery organization iAbolish has opened a new website dedicated specifically to the Sudan campaign. They are currently promoting a starkly worded petition to the UN representatives of China, Russia, Algeria, and Pakistan, asking that they allow the United Nations to take firm action to stop the genocide in Sudan. The petition pointedly notes that several key members of the UN Security Council have lucrative contracts in Sudan. These nations' obstructionist tactics will result in the loss of innocent lives; sign the petition now!
2004-11-30
Muslim Zionist Speaks Out
Professor Khaleel Mohammed of San Diego State University is not afraid to speak out in favor of Israel - and he cites the following verse in the Koran for support:
According to this article in Ha'Aretz, Professor Mohammed stands by his controversial view that the land of Israel is ordained - "katab" in Arabic - for the Jews. ""If Allah katab the Holy Land to the Jews, then it is theirs unless stated otherwise - and it is not stated otherwise in the Koran," he says. In fact, Mohammed explains, the Koran goes on to record that the Jews were punished for their "cowardice" in failing to enter the land at Moses' call, and had to wander 40 years in the wilderness. But "They received punishment for their sins - a prohibition limited in time on their entry to the land. This makes no difference to the principle whereby the land was intended for them."
As for Israel and the Palestinians: "The establishment of the State of Israel is the expression of the fact that the Jews desired to return to their land. The State of Israel was established thanks to the `Jewish jihad,' and the acts of terror that are being carried out by Palestinians inside Israel are not jihad because this is not their land."
Go read the whole article at the link. Hat tip: Ocean Guy.
"O my people! enter the land which Allah hath assigned unto you, and turn not back ignominiously, for then will ye be overthrown, to your own ruin." Koran 5:21 (al-Ma'ida)
According to this article in Ha'Aretz, Professor Mohammed stands by his controversial view that the land of Israel is ordained - "katab" in Arabic - for the Jews. ""If Allah katab the Holy Land to the Jews, then it is theirs unless stated otherwise - and it is not stated otherwise in the Koran," he says. In fact, Mohammed explains, the Koran goes on to record that the Jews were punished for their "cowardice" in failing to enter the land at Moses' call, and had to wander 40 years in the wilderness. But "They received punishment for their sins - a prohibition limited in time on their entry to the land. This makes no difference to the principle whereby the land was intended for them."
As for Israel and the Palestinians: "The establishment of the State of Israel is the expression of the fact that the Jews desired to return to their land. The State of Israel was established thanks to the `Jewish jihad,' and the acts of terror that are being carried out by Palestinians inside Israel are not jihad because this is not their land."
Go read the whole article at the link. Hat tip: Ocean Guy.
Muslim Liberals Call for Justice
Three leading Muslim liberals - Jawad Hashim, Shakir al-Nabulsi, and Lafif Lakhdar - have written an open letter to the United Nations calling for strong action against terrorists. The letter, now available in English translation, urges the UN Security Council to establish an "international tribunal to prosecute individuals, groups, or entities including, but not limited to, Muslim clerics, who issue religious edicts (fatwas) inciting terrorist acts."
Go visit Iraq the Model to find out more, and be sure to follow the e-mail link. Dr. Hashim welcomes signatures from people of all religions and nationalities; I've just added my own name - now it's your turn.
Go visit Iraq the Model to find out more, and be sure to follow the e-mail link. Dr. Hashim welcomes signatures from people of all religions and nationalities; I've just added my own name - now it's your turn.
2004-11-28
France Is a Great Country
... if you've just spent a week in Libya.
Michael J. Totten - agent extraordinaire of the Portland Mukhabarat - is on his way back to Stumptown after a week in the land of "North Africa's Caligula". Meanwhile, he's making the most of his unexpected two-day layover in Paris.
Michael J. Totten - agent extraordinaire of the Portland Mukhabarat - is on his way back to Stumptown after a week in the land of "North Africa's Caligula". Meanwhile, he's making the most of his unexpected two-day layover in Paris.
Let's blogroll!
Post-Thanksgiving special.
For that warm, fuzzy feeling, visit this post at Strangechord!
Dale is a special person with a special story. Read it at this post on Straight Up With Sherry.
Stuffed with stuffing, wintermelonsoup still needs time to decompress after a long and grueling tour in Iraq. Her girlfriend Beth has her own Thanksgiving thoughts. (Probably Beth can relate to Melissa's new single, "Christmas in America".)
And finally -
For a Halakhically correct Thanksgiving, you must study this. Hat tip: Ocan Guy. Next year at Plymouth Rock?
For that warm, fuzzy feeling, visit this post at Strangechord!
Dale is a special person with a special story. Read it at this post on Straight Up With Sherry.
Stuffed with stuffing, wintermelonsoup still needs time to decompress after a long and grueling tour in Iraq. Her girlfriend Beth has her own Thanksgiving thoughts. (Probably Beth can relate to Melissa's new single, "Christmas in America".)
And finally -
For a Halakhically correct Thanksgiving, you must study this. Hat tip: Ocan Guy. Next year at Plymouth Rock?
2004-11-25
Thanksgiving Day: Freedom and Responsibility
As Americans, we have much to be thankful for. Yes, it may be a trite sentiment, but it's still true. We need to acknowledge, individually and as a nation, our blessings; and for those of us who are religious, it goes without saying that this implies acknowledging how deeply we are beholden to the Creator.
I will argue here that thanksgiving is not merely a fair sentiment, nor even solely a spiritual experience; it is a moral duty. This is because our good fortune places a moral burden on us. If we have wealth, then we have the duty to spend it wisely and to donate to charity. If we have power, then we have the duty to use it in the service of justice. If we have freedom, then we have the duty to learn about the plight of those living under tyranny - to ask the questions they themselves are forbidden to ask - and to work to set them free.
If freedom brings responsibility, does oppression - or victimhood - bring absolution from responsibilty? No. If we lack the freedom to act, then we must learn from our experience and resolve to right such wrongs as we have endured as soon as we have the chance. My Islamic teacher, Imam Mamadou Toure, explained it this way: "Every person has a duty to fight oppression. If they are experiencing oppression, they have a duty to fight for freedom. If this is not possible - for example, if the person's family is threatened - then, at a very minimum, the person has a duty to hate the oppression in their heart, and to fight it when they do have the chance."
Jason Holliston has an excellent post on the subject of victimhood. The victim mentality is the greatest enemy of dignity, of responsibility, and ultimately of freedom.
We are often tempted to believe that "suffering ennobles". It does not. As liberals, we are sometimes taught that "oppressed people understand the suffering of others". This is a dangerous myth. To be dealt with cruelly by others is not, in and of itself, either uplifting or enlightening; it is an opportunity to understand the pain of injustice, but it is no more than that. How we grow from our experiences, whether pleasant or painful, is our choice as individuals - and our responsibilty.
The Torah teaches this principle unequivocally:
"You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." - Exodus 22:29
"You shall not render an unfair decision: do not favor the poor, nor show deference to the rich..." - Leviticus 19:15
"You shall not subvert the rights of the stranger ... Remember that you were a slave in Egypt and that the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore do I enjoin you to observe this commandment." - Deuteronomy 24:17-18
On this Thanksgiving holiday, let us remember our blessings and acknowledge them; let us also give thanks for the moral burden they place on us. For that, too, is a blessing.
Biblical quotes are from the Jewish Publication Society translation.
Postscript: Please read this recent post by the Ten O'clock Scholar.
I will argue here that thanksgiving is not merely a fair sentiment, nor even solely a spiritual experience; it is a moral duty. This is because our good fortune places a moral burden on us. If we have wealth, then we have the duty to spend it wisely and to donate to charity. If we have power, then we have the duty to use it in the service of justice. If we have freedom, then we have the duty to learn about the plight of those living under tyranny - to ask the questions they themselves are forbidden to ask - and to work to set them free.
If freedom brings responsibility, does oppression - or victimhood - bring absolution from responsibilty? No. If we lack the freedom to act, then we must learn from our experience and resolve to right such wrongs as we have endured as soon as we have the chance. My Islamic teacher, Imam Mamadou Toure, explained it this way: "Every person has a duty to fight oppression. If they are experiencing oppression, they have a duty to fight for freedom. If this is not possible - for example, if the person's family is threatened - then, at a very minimum, the person has a duty to hate the oppression in their heart, and to fight it when they do have the chance."
Jason Holliston has an excellent post on the subject of victimhood. The victim mentality is the greatest enemy of dignity, of responsibility, and ultimately of freedom.
We are often tempted to believe that "suffering ennobles". It does not. As liberals, we are sometimes taught that "oppressed people understand the suffering of others". This is a dangerous myth. To be dealt with cruelly by others is not, in and of itself, either uplifting or enlightening; it is an opportunity to understand the pain of injustice, but it is no more than that. How we grow from our experiences, whether pleasant or painful, is our choice as individuals - and our responsibilty.
The Torah teaches this principle unequivocally:
"You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." - Exodus 22:29
"You shall not render an unfair decision: do not favor the poor, nor show deference to the rich..." - Leviticus 19:15
"You shall not subvert the rights of the stranger ... Remember that you were a slave in Egypt and that the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore do I enjoin you to observe this commandment." - Deuteronomy 24:17-18
On this Thanksgiving holiday, let us remember our blessings and acknowledge them; let us also give thanks for the moral burden they place on us. For that, too, is a blessing.
Biblical quotes are from the Jewish Publication Society translation.
Postscript: Please read this recent post by the Ten O'clock Scholar.
Let's blogroll!
Thanksgiving Day special. I'll be posting a Thanksgiving piece (a bit more serious than my previous post) a little later on today. Meanwhile, check out these holiday-themed pieces:
Sherri, a new member of our blogroll, might have been thinking of Captain John Smith's famous admonition to the settlers - "he that will not work, will not eat" - when she wrote this Thanksgiving Day post on Straight Up With Sherri.
Kat at The Middle Ground keeps it short and sweet today, with this message. While you're there, be sure to check out the TMG main page. Kat, who apparently works about 40 hours a day, is posting a very informative series on Middle East history ... while holding down a day job (and I mean a REAL job)!
Jane at Armies of Liberation has some thoughts for Thanksgiving from the seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth, and twenty-first centuries. Read it all here.
LaShawn Barber shares some passages from the Gospels and a few thoughts of her own, here.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sherri, a new member of our blogroll, might have been thinking of Captain John Smith's famous admonition to the settlers - "he that will not work, will not eat" - when she wrote this Thanksgiving Day post on Straight Up With Sherri.
Kat at The Middle Ground keeps it short and sweet today, with this message. While you're there, be sure to check out the TMG main page. Kat, who apparently works about 40 hours a day, is posting a very informative series on Middle East history ... while holding down a day job (and I mean a REAL job)!
Jane at Armies of Liberation has some thoughts for Thanksgiving from the seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth, and twenty-first centuries. Read it all here.
LaShawn Barber shares some passages from the Gospels and a few thoughts of her own, here.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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