Why can’t we live in peace?

[Stevebol]

yeah, I hate “the news”. Makes me sick to my stomach.

Nice song, Mark.
Why can't we live in peace? I'd ask why can't the world be more peaceful.
Trump.I try to ration my intake of so-called news. TDS is real. I try to find other things to do than pay attention to him.

[Strat-itis]

Yo Stevebol the self taught legend: I finished my spacetime model. It took the full 5 bot stack, and they were all mutinizing by the end of it. But I got it.

[Stevebol]

Yo Stevebol the self taught legend: I finished my spacetime model. It took the full 5 bot stack, and they were all mutinizing by the end of it. But I got it.

Yo AI told me to shut up about that.

[ragman1]

Why can’t we live in peace?

Because we don't want to, we prefer war.

[Stevebol]

Why can’t we live in peace?

Because we don't want to, we prefer war.

That might be true. Why are so many people angry about a ground war between the US and Iran being avoided?

[ruger9]

That might be true. Why are so many people angry about a ground war between the US and Iran being avoided?

I think most people want the whole thing to be over. Only overly-loud zionist pundits want to keep going... Mark Levin, Ted Cruz, et al... I say if they want boots on the ground, let THEM suit up. Or better yet, let THEIR KIDS suit up.

[Stringswinger]

I think most people want the whole thing to be over. Only overly-loud zionist pundits want to keep going... Mark Levin, Ted Cruz, et al... I say if they want boots on the ground, let THEM suit up. Or better yet, let THEIR KIDS suit up.

From what I have seen, Zionist (it is capitalized BTW) is an overused term to make antisemitism seem less bigoted. The progressive left and the White supremacist right seem to bandy that term about a lot these days. The situation with Iran is a lot more complicated than most people think. There are plenty of people who are not particularly tied to (nor fond of) Zionism that see Iran as a threat, like the Saudis and the Emirates. Plus, the military-industrial complex is always lobbying for a war. For them it is good business.

The Iran war was a mistake and has turned into a disaster. In my view, America should not be involved in any wars unless we are attacked, nor should we have any foreign entanglements that can put Americans in harm's way. George Washington gave good advice on that matter. It is my view that President Trump acted with extreme hubris after his adventure in Venezuela. He mistakenly thought the Iranian regime would surrender quickly. Personally, I am glad that he is withdrawing now, as I do not want to see any more dead Americans coming home in body bags over a conflict where our allies are threatened and we are not. Our allies need to fight their own battles. And so long as we are operating at a deficit, no aid should be given to any country (military or humanitarian). Borrowing money to give it away is a foolish policy. The debt will need to be repaid at some point and in some fashion.

The real winners in the Iran war are the guys selling armaments to our government. Let their kids suit up. I am against the next war before it starts. Give peace a chance and all that.

[ruger9]

From what I have seen, Zionist (it is capitalized BTW) is an overused term to make antisemitism seem less bigoted. The progressive left and the White supremacist right seem to bandy that term about a lot these days. The situation with Iran is a lot more complicated than most people think. There are plenty of people who are not particularly tied to (nor fond of) Zionism that see Iran as a threat, like the Saudis and the Emirates. Plus, the military-industrial complex is always lobbying for a war. For them it is good business.

The Iran war was a mistake and has turned into a disaster. In my view, America should not be involved in any wars unless we are attacked, nor should we have any foreign entanglements that can put Americans in harm's way. George Washington gave good advice on that matter. It is my view that President Trump acted with extreme hubris after his adventure in Venezuela. He mistakenly thought the Iranian regime would surrender quickly. Personally, I am glad that he is withdrawing now, as I do not want to see any more dead Americans coming home in body bags over a conflict where our allies are threatened and we are not. Our allies need to fight their own battles. And so long as we are operating at a deficit, no aid should be given to any country (military or humanitarian). Borrowing money to give it away is a foolish policy. The debt will need to be repaid at some point and in some fashion.

The real winners in the Iran war are the guys selling armaments to our government. Let their kids suit up. I am against the next war before it starts. Give peace a chance and all that.

Why is zionist to be capitalized? It's not a religion. It seems to me to be a political position, and I will not capitalize it just as I will not capitalize democrat or republican.

Zionism is actually a THING. Using the term is not anti-semitic, just as using the term nazi is not anti-german. It's a specific political belief (I won't argue the "God's chosen ones" position, it's ridiculous) held by specific people. You don't even have to be jewish (either religious or secular/cultural) to hold the belief.

Agree 100% with everything else you said. I'm just sick and tired of "Israel is America's greatest ally" BS. I'm over it, especially having learned what I have in recent years.

[Stevebol]

If you don't watch Black Mirror and Orange is the New Black you won't make it in the new world;

[Stevebol]

Why is zionist to be capitalized? It's not a religion. It seems to me to be a political position, and I will not capitalize it just as I will not capitalize democrat or republican.

Zionism is actually a THING. Using the term is not anti-semitic, just as using the term nazi is not anti-german. It's a specific political belief (I won't argue the "God's chosen ones" position, it's ridiculous) held by specific people. You don't even have to be jewish (either religious or secular/cultural) to hold the belief.

Agree 100% with everything else you said. I'm just sick and tired of "Israel is America's greatest ally" BS. I'm over it, especially having learned what I have in recent years.

To who? Not to me. I don't know what it is. After what mossad pulled I'd say we're not in love anymore. They hired Iranians to steal documents in Iran related to nuclear technology in order to discredit the JCPOA and instigate a ground invasion of Iran.
Trump didn't fall for it. The navy pestered him to get some payback for the hostage taking in 1979. He went along with that.

This was a mafia war on steroids. It's over.

[ruger9]

To who? Not to me. .

Is this in regards to my "zionism is a thing" comment? It certainly is. It's as real a thing as communism or any other -ism you can think of.

Being "Pro-Israel" is one thing. Zionism is, in recent times, being "pro Israel" to the point of ignoring genocide. Ignoring AIPAC and the control they have over the US government. Bibi himself has said the goal is to reclaim the "greater Israel"... look that one up. Egypt won't be too happy about that (as well as several others).

This is taken from a pro-Palestine website, but I agree with it's explanation, for I am witnessing it in real time. And for all the years I have paid close attention to geopolitics, I have always been pro-Israel. Almost by default. But then I educated myself further.

Zionism emerged in response to rising antisemitism in Europe, but rather than challenging racism where it existed, it aimed to solve it by removing Jews from Europe altogether. This idea gained momentum during and after World War II, especially following the Holocaust. In 1948, the State of Israel was established through a process that involved the mass displacement of Palestinians, an event known as the Nakba (Arabic for “catastrophe”), when over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly and violently expelled or fled from their homes. 2
Since then, Zionism has evolved into a state ideology that continues to justify the occupation, colonisation, and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. It plays a central role in Israeli policy, which includes illegal settlements, apartheid laws, and military aggression, especially visible today in the ongoing siege and genocide in Gaza. 3
Many Jewish people around the world do not support Zionism and see it as a betrayal of their faith’s core values. Zionism has hijacked Judaism, turning a rich spiritual and ethical tradition into a nationalist, colonial project. Criticising Zionism is not antisemitic; it’s a stand against racism, colonialism, and genocide.


At this point, I'm simply calling a spade a spade. And Israel absolutely fits the description.

[Stevebol]

Is this in regards to my "zionism is a thing" comment? It certainly is. It's as real a thing as communism or any other -ism you can think of.

Being "Pro-Israel" is one thing. Zionism is, in recent times, being "pro Israel" to the point of ignoring genocide. Ignoring AIPAC and the control they have over the US government. Bibi himself has said the goal is to reclaim the "greater Israel"... look that one up. Egypt won't be too happy about that (as well as several others).

This is taken from a pro-Palestine website, but I agree with it's explanation, for I am witnessing it in real time. And for all the years I have paid close attention to geopolitics, I have always been pro-Israel. Almost by default. But then I educated myself further.

Zionism emerged in response to rising antisemitism in Europe, but rather than challenging racism where it existed, it aimed to solve it by removing Jews from Europe altogether. This idea gained momentum during and after World War II, especially following the Holocaust. In 1948, the State of Israel was established through a process that involved the mass displacement of Palestinians, an event known as the Nakba (Arabic for “catastrophe”), when over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly and violently expelled or fled from their homes. 2
Since then, Zionism has evolved into a state ideology that continues to justify the occupation, colonisation, and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. It plays a central role in Israeli policy, which includes illegal settlements, apartheid laws, and military aggression, especially visible today in the ongoing siege and genocide in Gaza. 3
Many Jewish people around the world do not support Zionism and see it as a betrayal of their faith’s core values. Zionism has hijacked Judaism, turning a rich spiritual and ethical tradition into a nationalist, colonial project. Criticising Zionism is not antisemitic; it’s a stand against racism, colonialism, and genocide.


At this point, I'm simply calling a spade a spade. And Israel absolutely fits the description.

He's an idiot. In the US we establish borders down the middle of waterways. The border between the US and Canada, the border between California and Arizona. We work together.

[Stevebol]

Is this in regards to my "zionism is a thing" comment? It certainly is. It's as real a thing as communism or any other -ism you can think of.

Being "Pro-Israel" is one thing. Zionism is, in recent times, being "pro Israel" to the point of ignoring genocide. Ignoring AIPAC and the control they have over the US government. Bibi himself has said the goal is to reclaim the "greater Israel"... look that one up. Egypt won't be too happy about that (as well as several others).

This is taken from a pro-Palestine website, but I agree with it's explanation, for I am witnessing it in real time. And for all the years I have paid close attention to geopolitics, I have always been pro-Israel. Almost by default. But then I educated myself further.

Zionism emerged in response to rising antisemitism in Europe, but rather than challenging racism where it existed, it aimed to solve it by removing Jews from Europe altogether. This idea gained momentum during and after World War II, especially following the Holocaust. In 1948, the State of Israel was established through a process that involved the mass displacement of Palestinians, an event known as the Nakba (Arabic for “catastrophe”), when over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly and violently expelled or fled from their homes. 2
Since then, Zionism has evolved into a state ideology that continues to justify the occupation, colonisation, and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. It plays a central role in Israeli policy, which includes illegal settlements, apartheid laws, and military aggression, especially visible today in the ongoing siege and genocide in Gaza. 3
Many Jewish people around the world do not support Zionism and see it as a betrayal of their faith’s core values. Zionism has hijacked Judaism, turning a rich spiritual and ethical tradition into a nationalist, colonial project. Criticising Zionism is not antisemitic; it’s a stand against racism, colonialism, and genocide.At this point, I'm simply calling a spade a spade. And Israel absolutely fits the description.

Obviously it's a polarizing issue for a lot people. It's not my day to day reality.

[Stevebol]

Is this in regards to my "zionism is a thing" comment? It certainly is. It's as real a thing as communism or any other -ism you can think of.

Being "Pro-Israel" is one thing. Zionism is, in recent times, being "pro Israel" to the point of ignoring genocide. Ignoring AIPAC and the control they have over the US government. Bibi himself has said the goal is to reclaim the "greater Israel"... look that one up. Egypt won't be too happy about that (as well as several others).

This is taken from a pro-Palestine website, but I agree with it's explanation, for I am witnessing it in real time. And for all the years I have paid close attention to geopolitics, I have always been pro-Israel. Almost by default. But then I educated myself further.

Zionism emerged in response to rising antisemitism in Europe, but rather than challenging racism where it existed, it aimed to solve it by removing Jews from Europe altogether. This idea gained momentum during and after World War II, especially following the Holocaust. In 1948, the State of Israel was established through a process that involved the mass displacement of Palestinians, an event known as the Nakba (Arabic for “catastrophe”), when over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly and violently expelled or fled from their homes. 2
Since then, Zionism has evolved into a state ideology that continues to justify the occupation, colonisation, and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. It plays a central role in Israeli policy, which includes illegal settlements, apartheid laws, and military aggression, especially visible today in the ongoing siege and genocide in Gaza. 3
Many Jewish people around the world do not support Zionism and see it as a betrayal of their faith’s core values. Zionism has hijacked Judaism, turning a rich spiritual and ethical tradition into a nationalist, colonial project. Criticising Zionism is not antisemitic; it’s a stand against racism, colonialism, and genocide.At this point, I'm simply calling a spade a spade. And Israel absolutely fits the description.

I hope they can work things out. For now, the US averted an all out war with Iran that would have been devastating for everyone.

[Stevebol]

Is this in regards to my "zionism is a thing" comment? It certainly is. It's as real a thing as communism or any other -ism you can think of.

Being "Pro-Israel" is one thing. Zionism is, in recent times, being "pro Israel" to the point of ignoring genocide. Ignoring AIPAC and the control they have over the US government. Bibi himself has said the goal is to reclaim the "greater Israel"... look that one up. Egypt won't be too happy about that (as well as several others).

This is taken from a pro-Palestine website, but I agree with it's explanation, for I am witnessing it in real time. And for all the years I have paid close attention to geopolitics, I have always been pro-Israel. Almost by default. But then I educated myself further.

Zionism emerged in response to rising antisemitism in Europe, but rather than challenging racism where it existed, it aimed to solve it by removing Jews from Europe altogether. This idea gained momentum during and after World War II, especially following the Holocaust. In 1948, the State of Israel was established through a process that involved the mass displacement of Palestinians, an event known as the Nakba (Arabic for “catastrophe”), when over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly and violently expelled or fled from their homes. 2
Since then, Zionism has evolved into a state ideology that continues to justify the occupation, colonisation, and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. It plays a central role in Israeli policy, which includes illegal settlements, apartheid laws, and military aggression, especially visible today in the ongoing siege and genocide in Gaza. 3
Many Jewish people around the world do not support Zionism and see it as a betrayal of their faith’s core values. Zionism has hijacked Judaism, turning a rich spiritual and ethical tradition into a nationalist, colonial project. Criticising Zionism is not antisemitic; it’s a stand against racism, colonialism, and genocide.


At this point, I'm simply calling a spade a spade. And Israel absolutely fits the description.

Israelis should listen to better music;

[Stringswinger]

Is this in regards to my "zionism is a thing" comment? It certainly is. It's as real a thing as communism or any other -ism you can think of.

Being "Pro-Israel" is one thing. Zionism is, in recent times, being "pro Israel" to the point of ignoring genocide. Ignoring AIPAC and the control they have over the US government. Bibi himself has said the goal is to reclaim the "greater Israel"... look that one up. Egypt won't be too happy about that (as well as several others).

This is taken from a pro-Palestine website, but I agree with it's explanation, for I am witnessing it in real time. And for all the years I have paid close attention to geopolitics, I have always been pro-Israel. Almost by default. But then I educated myself further.

Zionism emerged in response to rising antisemitism in Europe, but rather than challenging racism where it existed, it aimed to solve it by removing Jews from Europe altogether. This idea gained momentum during and after World War II, especially following the Holocaust. In 1948, the State of Israel was established through a process that involved the mass displacement of Palestinians, an event known as the Nakba (Arabic for “catastrophe”), when over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly and violently expelled or fled from their homes. 2
Since then, Zionism has evolved into a state ideology that continues to justify the occupation, colonisation, and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. It plays a central role in Israeli policy, which includes illegal settlements, apartheid laws, and military aggression, especially visible today in the ongoing siege and genocide in Gaza. 3
Many Jewish people around the world do not support Zionism and see it as a betrayal of their faith’s core values. Zionism has hijacked Judaism, turning a rich spiritual and ethical tradition into a nationalist, colonial project. Criticising Zionism is not antisemitic; it’s a stand against racism, colonialism, and genocide.


At this point, I'm simply calling a spade a spade. And Israel absolutely fits the description.

Pretty one sided stuff and pretty much the current leftist narrative. A lot of that is subject to debate, and I am not interested in having that debate on this forum (IMO. most (but not all) of that narrative is simply false). At least you are not talking about tiny hats, the Austrian painter, noticing and a 3000 year old promise.

[Mick-7]

Pretty one sided stuff and pretty much the current leftist narrative. A lot of that is subject to debate, and I am not interested in having that debate on this forum (IMO. most (but not all) of that narrative is simply false). At least you are not talking about tiny hats, the Austrian painter, noticing and a 3000 year old promise.

ruger9's commentary was fairly accurate, there are many excellent books on the subject:
Books that changed your views on Zionism? - Reddit

[ruger9]

Pretty one sided stuff and pretty much the current leftist narrative. A lot of that is subject to debate, and I am not interested in having that debate on this forum (IMO. most (but not all) of that narrative is simply false). At least you are not talking about tiny hats, the Austrian painter, noticing and a 3000 year old promise.

Interesting, since I'm the furthest thing from a leftist you could imagine. I am also not a Trump fan. IMO this term (unlike his first) is pretty much a disaster.

And, as I've said: I've been following geopolitics closely for 30 years (and by "closely" I don't mean watching CNN or Fox), and I used to be an "all-in" "Israel is always right" person... but not any more. I've continued learning history, watching current events, and seeing the truth. Especially not after the genocide and destruction in Gaza. What they are doing is very similar to what Hitler did, re: ethnic cleansing. Yes, I said it.

[DawgBone]

Interesting, since I'm the furthest thing from a leftist you could imagine. I am also not a Trump fan. IMO this term (unlike his first) is pretty much a disaster.

And, as I've said: I've been following geopolitics closely for 30 years (and by "closely" I don't mean watching CNN or Fox), and I used to be an "all-in" "Israel is always right" person... but not any more. I've continued learning history, watching current events, and seeing the truth. Especially not after the genocide and destruction in Gaza. What they are doing is very similar to what Hitler did, re: ethnic cleansing. Yes, I said it.

I used to be all-in as well. I even attended a messianic synagogue for a couple years and read quite a few books on the subject but have ultimately come to the same conclusion as you. Unfortunately there are no easy answers to fix what's been ongoing in the middle east that would appease all the parties involved.

[Stevebol]

I used to be all-in as well. I even attended a messianic synagogue for a couple years and read quite a few books on the subject but have ultimately come to the same conclusion as you. Unfortunately there are no easy answers to fix what's been ongoing in the middle east that would appease all the parties involved.

Seems to me the US and Israel are getting a divorce. Too bad. Sali on.

Time to grow up.

[ruger9]

An interesting development for sure.

I'd be happy for Israel to fight it's own wars with it's own weapons, it's own money and it's own people.

Israel violated the MOU's first clause, with Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon constituting a breach less than 24 hours after the MOU was signed digitally. Iran's negotiating team had been preparing to depart for Switzerland to start the first round of further talks, and has now suspended the trip.

Did I read that at this point, if Israel is attacked, that the US will NOT defend Israel if it's attacked? That would really be something.

Beware red flags.

[Marty Grass]

On a completely different scale, I was formally trained and certified in psychedelic assisted therapy and am a member of the Consciousness Club at the University of Michigan where serious academic study focuses on the topics related to consciousness. Currently this therapy is centered on healing and dealing with existential anxiety, particularly in those terminally ill. LSD picked up steam in the 1950s and early 1960s. It was tested as a weapon of war by the US military, which didn't work well. Now it may be an instrument of peace. We'll see.

As clever as humans are, we do have animal instincts that can get the better of us.

The future, if there is much of one, will likely be very different than what we can predict.

[Stevebol]

From what I have seen, Zionist (it is capitalized BTW) is an overused term to make antisemitism seem less bigoted. The progressive left and the White supremacist right seem to bandy that term about a lot these days. The situation with Iran is a lot more complicated than most people think. There are plenty of people who are not particularly tied to (nor fond of) Zionism that see Iran as a threat, like the Saudis and the Emirates. Plus, the military-industrial complex is always lobbying for a war. For them it is good business.

The Iran war was a mistake and has turned into a disaster. In my view, America should not be involved in any wars unless we are attacked, nor should we have any foreign entanglements that can put Americans in harm's way. George Washington gave good advice on that matter. It is my view that President Trump acted with extreme hubris after his adventure in Venezuela. He mistakenly thought the Iranian regime would surrender quickly. Personally, I am glad that he is withdrawing now, as I do not want to see any more dead Americans coming home in body bags over a conflict where our allies are threatened and we are not. Our allies need to fight their own battles. And so long as we are operating at a deficit, no aid should be given to any country (military or humanitarian). Borrowing money to give it away is a foolish policy. The debt will need to be repaid at some point and in some fashion.

The real winners in the Iran war are the guys selling armaments to our government. Let their kids suit up. I am against the next war before it starts. Give peace a chance and all that.

The navy wanted some pay back for the hostage taking in 1979. They got it.

It's over as far as I'm concerned. The world is a more peaceful place than it was a few weeks ago.

[Stevebol]

Interesting, since I'm the furthest thing from a leftist you could imagine. I am also not a Trump fan. IMO this term (unlike his first) is pretty much a disaster.

And, as I've said: I've been following geopolitics closely for 30 years (and by "closely" I don't mean watching CNN or Fox), and I used to be an "all-in" "Israel is always right" person... but not any more. I've continued learning history, watching current events, and seeing the truth. Especially not after the genocide and destruction in Gaza. What they are doing is very similar to what Hitler did, re: ethnic cleansing. Yes, I said it.

WWII references aside, Israel did business with Hamas and put people in Gaza in a hopeless position.
Netanyahu is a sadist but he's their man in Israel. He's crazier than Trump.

[Stevebol]

I think most people want the whole thing to be over. Only overly-loud zionist pundits want to keep going... Mark Levin, Ted Cruz, et al... I say if they want boots on the ground, let THEM suit up. Or better yet, let THEIR KIDS suit up.

Everything will be OK;