Last week one of our American Media types interviewed a grandmother sitting in a broken-down Gaza Hospital besides her four your old granddaughter whose leg had been blown off. According to the translation, every sentence began with Praise god or god AlMighty or some other god-specific comment. Since her daughter-- the child's Mother- had been killed along with her siblings and other family members was she just praying so she could join the family with the 72 virgins god? Unless sone good DRONE takes down the three "sacred" spots, this area has nothing but death ahead.
Jonathan, you actually made me feel optimistic. Isn't it great to have a President who is eloquent and articulate again? See you Thursday. BTW, the discount code didn't work. Jane
Best wishes for a stimulating evening with Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein next week! I'd be there if I had half a chance. Hope there's a video for us in the hinterland.
I recall a similar event I attended in 1986 when Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin were on the road at West Virginia University.
Thanks Jon, for digging out, sharing the JFK’s gem describing where he saw himself on the political spectrum of his day, along with yourself and probably many of your readers(me for sure): “an idealist without illusions.” Indeed.
In today’s truly upside down, polarized political ecology and warped spectrum this descriptor still has traction for many of us caught in the crossfire from both sides. Salute’.
I think Biden has been an extraordinary first term president. Possibly more consequential than any president in a generation?. I know he’s old. I but damn he’s a rockstar! Please win in 2024!!
As Old Goats readers know, I've argued all year that he's been a good president who should not run again. In the last two weeks, I've changed my mind. He has done so well that I wouldn't want to risk having someone else in there...I'm all for Biden now.
I have been more than pleasantly suprised by Biden's tenure as President. Although I am often rather dyspeptic and dissatisfied with our leadership, my attitudes toward Biden are increasingly positive.
He seeems to be a fantastic negation of the "respectible tendency" in British poliitics in the 1930's. The so called respectible tendency was a political stance that favored two things: A) Conciliation and Appeasement with Nazi Germany and B) Economic policies that were pro management, anti-labor and indifferent to the plight of the impoverhsed working class. Neville Chamberlain, and the leadership of most British conservatives, adhered to these policies. They were harder on their own working class than on Nazi Germany.
Biden has signalled strong support for Israel. No ifs ands or buts. The attack on Israel was quite obviously horrendous and Biden is voicing the strong support that is essential.
Biden also represents a renunciation of the British "respectible tendancy": because he is pro Labor. I was delighted that he attended and participated in the UAW strike.
I, too, have been "pleasantly surprised" by Biden's presidency, so far. I have watched Biden for about 30 years now, and I have really disliked him and his statist idiocies when in the Senate, but I seem to have less animosity toward him now than toward most of his recent predecessors.
Biden has a tough tightrope to walk; razor-thin, because the REALITY is that he MUST win the Electoral votes (if he runs again next year) of New York and Florida. I don't like that, but I UNDERSTAND it. I can't pass judgment on those dilemmas. But I, too, wish that his "cautions" to Israel had been louder and stonger. Dennis Ross was interviewed on Christianne Amanpour's PBS show the other evening, and he has convinced me that Hamas MUST be totally wiped out; it will never be a reliable party to any settlement, cease-fire or other agreement. Its aim to totally destroy Israel is absolute and permanent.
BUT, destroying Gaza in order to "save" it is not right. I suspect Israel will reap a nasty backlash for a long time to come. Innocent Palestinians are being slaughtered now, and that is stupid. But I also realize how nasty and difficult a house-to-house search for Hamas will be.
What a mess!
H. W. Ellerson
PS--I would have never guessed in a million years that George W. Bush would be relieved of being the WORST President we've ever had by the ascension of Donald Trump to the White House!
Thanks, Watkins...I'd amend slightly. I'm not sure the tragedy of Palestinian human shields--innocent civilians put in harm's way by Hamas--dying as collateral damage constitutes "slaughter." Slaughter suggests intentionality, which is not at work when the Israeli military repratedly urges civilians to leave. Slaughter is what Hamas did on 10/7--raping and killing and decapitating innocent Jews, then hauling babies and elderly Holocaust survivors back to Gaza as hostages.
I was listening to NPR yesterday and heard some credibly disturbing stuff. Some American journalist being interviewed asserted that Benjamin Netanyahu was likely quite comfortable with Hamas' provocations because it gave Netanyahu the excuse he wanted to wipe out Gaza AND its Arab residents, in order to PREVENT a "two-state" resolution of "The Problem," which Netanyahu reportedly vehemently opposes!
I do not support a "two-state" solution. I would like to see Israel become a single SECULAR state with both Jews and Arabs as full citizens, but I doubt that will ever happen. I try to resist equating Israelis with "Jews." There are SOME Arab citizens of Israel. I understand about 20% are non-Jews.
I'm neither shocked nor surprised at that news about Netanyahu, because I have been VERY suspicious of him over the years. But I am perplexed by why Israelis have not run him off, YEARS AGO! He supposedly also recruited and appointed a convicted ultra-"Wrong-Wing" felon into his Cabinet (Defense Minister?). I don't know anything about that.
SO, it's quite possible that the decision to wipe out Gaza was a willful and deliberate decision on Netanyahu's part provided Hamas created the pretext! I know that's an outrageous thing to contemplate; perhaps Netanyahu misjudged the ferocity of what Hamas could and would do. But Netanyahu reportedly seeks the total wipeout of many Arabs to prevent the "two-state" from ever becoming a reality, likely centered on the West Bank.
Therefore, I stand by my use of the word "slaughter." "Israel" cannot intend ANYTHING. Its human Prime Minister certainly can. The total destruction of Gaza and the innocent life therein was not necessary, in my opinion, to root out and DESTROY Hamas, a reasonable goal, also in my opinion. It seems that all Netanyahu has succeeded in doing is to kick the "violence" can down the road. Arabs and Muslims will surely despise Israel for a very long time to come. It may make no sense, but I suspect that may well be what serves Netanyahu's aims.
I have no beef with any of that. I saw Dennis Ross make a compelling argument to Christianne Amanpour for the total annihilation of Hamas last week. But I wonder to WHERE the Gazans are supposed to "evacuate," given they are being confined in Gaza due to its sealed borders?
Revenge for what Hamas has done is most understandable, but it may not be in Israel's best interests.
It appears to me that the Israeli bombing of Gaza has been rather indiscriminate, but I also realize that Hamas hides among hospitals and schools and "civilians." Any ground incursion is likely to be very deadly and bloody.
What a contrast between Biden stepping up to the plate on the one hand, and the Republicans showing themselves unable to get out of their own knitting and elect a Speaker on the other. Let's hope Americans take notice.
The republican party seems to be seriously emotionally disturbed.
Actually, I see a huge role reversal:
A few decades ago, the Democratic Party was the party of interminable dissension, debate and discord, eg: a) 68 convention, b) the 72 convention when Mc Govern gave his acceptance speech at 3 AM, c) the cat fighting between Ed Koch and Bella Abzug, etc. Back then, the GOP was the party of stolid, but serene uniformity.
It seems as the neurotic tendency has migrated from the Dems to the GOP.
President Biden has shown his wisdom and talent as a statesman by plugging the dike that restrains fanaticism like the fabled Dutch boy. Added to his strong record of accomplishments, he deserves to be re-elected. However, like you, I am unsettled by the prospects for another upsetting in the 2024 presidential battle. The recent events in and around Gaza emphasize the polarization and fluidity in American politics. It is not a stretch to compare the wider international landscape in 2023 to 1914, 1939, or 1962. Thanks for showing us the ponies.
I too am very concerned about 2024. It would be utterly dreadful if a Donald Trump captured the white house.
There aren't too many "givens" in politics, but one of them seems to be an increasing difficulty in predicting electoral outcomes. Most people were sure Hillary would beat Trump, and we know how that turned out., We have seen large discrepancies between the omens of prognosticators and polls and actual results in other races. Recently, one or two polls showed Trump a point to two ahead of Biden.
Sometimes if I wonder if there has been a real diminution in the good sense and political discretion of the American people.
Last week one of our American Media types interviewed a grandmother sitting in a broken-down Gaza Hospital besides her four your old granddaughter whose leg had been blown off. According to the translation, every sentence began with Praise god or god AlMighty or some other god-specific comment. Since her daughter-- the child's Mother- had been killed along with her siblings and other family members was she just praying so she could join the family with the 72 virgins god? Unless sone good DRONE takes down the three "sacred" spots, this area has nothing but death ahead.
Jonathan, you actually made me feel optimistic. Isn't it great to have a President who is eloquent and articulate again? See you Thursday. BTW, the discount code didn't work. Jane
Best wishes for a stimulating evening with Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein next week! I'd be there if I had half a chance. Hope there's a video for us in the hinterland.
I recall a similar event I attended in 1986 when Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin were on the road at West Virginia University.
Thanks Jon, for digging out, sharing the JFK’s gem describing where he saw himself on the political spectrum of his day, along with yourself and probably many of your readers(me for sure): “an idealist without illusions.” Indeed.
In today’s truly upside down, polarized political ecology and warped spectrum this descriptor still has traction for many of us caught in the crossfire from both sides. Salute’.
Thanks, Scotty....The older I get, the more "idealist without illusions" fits me...
I think Biden has been an extraordinary first term president. Possibly more consequential than any president in a generation?. I know he’s old. I but damn he’s a rockstar! Please win in 2024!!
As Old Goats readers know, I've argued all year that he's been a good president who should not run again. In the last two weeks, I've changed my mind. He has done so well that I wouldn't want to risk having someone else in there...I'm all for Biden now.
I have been more than pleasantly suprised by Biden's tenure as President. Although I am often rather dyspeptic and dissatisfied with our leadership, my attitudes toward Biden are increasingly positive.
He seeems to be a fantastic negation of the "respectible tendency" in British poliitics in the 1930's. The so called respectible tendency was a political stance that favored two things: A) Conciliation and Appeasement with Nazi Germany and B) Economic policies that were pro management, anti-labor and indifferent to the plight of the impoverhsed working class. Neville Chamberlain, and the leadership of most British conservatives, adhered to these policies. They were harder on their own working class than on Nazi Germany.
Biden has signalled strong support for Israel. No ifs ands or buts. The attack on Israel was quite obviously horrendous and Biden is voicing the strong support that is essential.
Biden also represents a renunciation of the British "respectible tendancy": because he is pro Labor. I was delighted that he attended and participated in the UAW strike.
He's much better than I had expected.
I had forgotten about that, David. Thanks for reminding me. The Tories of the '30s could be horrid--though not as bad as today's GOP.,
I, too, have been "pleasantly surprised" by Biden's presidency, so far. I have watched Biden for about 30 years now, and I have really disliked him and his statist idiocies when in the Senate, but I seem to have less animosity toward him now than toward most of his recent predecessors.
Biden has a tough tightrope to walk; razor-thin, because the REALITY is that he MUST win the Electoral votes (if he runs again next year) of New York and Florida. I don't like that, but I UNDERSTAND it. I can't pass judgment on those dilemmas. But I, too, wish that his "cautions" to Israel had been louder and stonger. Dennis Ross was interviewed on Christianne Amanpour's PBS show the other evening, and he has convinced me that Hamas MUST be totally wiped out; it will never be a reliable party to any settlement, cease-fire or other agreement. Its aim to totally destroy Israel is absolute and permanent.
BUT, destroying Gaza in order to "save" it is not right. I suspect Israel will reap a nasty backlash for a long time to come. Innocent Palestinians are being slaughtered now, and that is stupid. But I also realize how nasty and difficult a house-to-house search for Hamas will be.
What a mess!
H. W. Ellerson
PS--I would have never guessed in a million years that George W. Bush would be relieved of being the WORST President we've ever had by the ascension of Donald Trump to the White House!
Thanks, Watkins...I'd amend slightly. I'm not sure the tragedy of Palestinian human shields--innocent civilians put in harm's way by Hamas--dying as collateral damage constitutes "slaughter." Slaughter suggests intentionality, which is not at work when the Israeli military repratedly urges civilians to leave. Slaughter is what Hamas did on 10/7--raping and killing and decapitating innocent Jews, then hauling babies and elderly Holocaust survivors back to Gaza as hostages.
Mr. Alter:
I was listening to NPR yesterday and heard some credibly disturbing stuff. Some American journalist being interviewed asserted that Benjamin Netanyahu was likely quite comfortable with Hamas' provocations because it gave Netanyahu the excuse he wanted to wipe out Gaza AND its Arab residents, in order to PREVENT a "two-state" resolution of "The Problem," which Netanyahu reportedly vehemently opposes!
I do not support a "two-state" solution. I would like to see Israel become a single SECULAR state with both Jews and Arabs as full citizens, but I doubt that will ever happen. I try to resist equating Israelis with "Jews." There are SOME Arab citizens of Israel. I understand about 20% are non-Jews.
I'm neither shocked nor surprised at that news about Netanyahu, because I have been VERY suspicious of him over the years. But I am perplexed by why Israelis have not run him off, YEARS AGO! He supposedly also recruited and appointed a convicted ultra-"Wrong-Wing" felon into his Cabinet (Defense Minister?). I don't know anything about that.
SO, it's quite possible that the decision to wipe out Gaza was a willful and deliberate decision on Netanyahu's part provided Hamas created the pretext! I know that's an outrageous thing to contemplate; perhaps Netanyahu misjudged the ferocity of what Hamas could and would do. But Netanyahu reportedly seeks the total wipeout of many Arabs to prevent the "two-state" from ever becoming a reality, likely centered on the West Bank.
Therefore, I stand by my use of the word "slaughter." "Israel" cannot intend ANYTHING. Its human Prime Minister certainly can. The total destruction of Gaza and the innocent life therein was not necessary, in my opinion, to root out and DESTROY Hamas, a reasonable goal, also in my opinion. It seems that all Netanyahu has succeeded in doing is to kick the "violence" can down the road. Arabs and Muslims will surely despise Israel for a very long time to come. It may make no sense, but I suspect that may well be what serves Netanyahu's aims.
Very sad.
H. Watkins Ellerson
I have no beef with any of that. I saw Dennis Ross make a compelling argument to Christianne Amanpour for the total annihilation of Hamas last week. But I wonder to WHERE the Gazans are supposed to "evacuate," given they are being confined in Gaza due to its sealed borders?
Revenge for what Hamas has done is most understandable, but it may not be in Israel's best interests.
It appears to me that the Israeli bombing of Gaza has been rather indiscriminate, but I also realize that Hamas hides among hospitals and schools and "civilians." Any ground incursion is likely to be very deadly and bloody.
As I said, "What a mess."
H. Watkins Ellerson
A+ Jonathan!
Thanks, Anthony!
What a contrast between Biden stepping up to the plate on the one hand, and the Republicans showing themselves unable to get out of their own knitting and elect a Speaker on the other. Let's hope Americans take notice.
I hope so, too, Tom.
The republican party seems to be seriously emotionally disturbed.
Actually, I see a huge role reversal:
A few decades ago, the Democratic Party was the party of interminable dissension, debate and discord, eg: a) 68 convention, b) the 72 convention when Mc Govern gave his acceptance speech at 3 AM, c) the cat fighting between Ed Koch and Bella Abzug, etc. Back then, the GOP was the party of stolid, but serene uniformity.
It seems as the neurotic tendency has migrated from the Dems to the GOP.
Amen to that Tom !
Biden could hardly be more antithetical to his predecessor. I appreciate that so deeply.
Me, too, Suzanne...
This was the strongest speech I have heard Biden delver during his presidency. Your fine essay does him justice.
Thanks, Teresa.....
President Biden has shown his wisdom and talent as a statesman by plugging the dike that restrains fanaticism like the fabled Dutch boy. Added to his strong record of accomplishments, he deserves to be re-elected. However, like you, I am unsettled by the prospects for another upsetting in the 2024 presidential battle. The recent events in and around Gaza emphasize the polarization and fluidity in American politics. It is not a stretch to compare the wider international landscape in 2023 to 1914, 1939, or 1962. Thanks for showing us the ponies.
I too am very concerned about 2024. It would be utterly dreadful if a Donald Trump captured the white house.
There aren't too many "givens" in politics, but one of them seems to be an increasing difficulty in predicting electoral outcomes. Most people were sure Hillary would beat Trump, and we know how that turned out., We have seen large discrepancies between the omens of prognosticators and polls and actual results in other races. Recently, one or two polls showed Trump a point to two ahead of Biden.
Sometimes if I wonder if there has been a real diminution in the good sense and political discretion of the American people.
I worry about that, too. Could it be social media silos?
Excellent essay Jonathan! Many thanks for your fine words.
thanks, larry...
I think you found a few ponies in there! Thank you!
thanks, lisa!