I’ve reflected on my response to you, for which at one level I am unapologetic but at another I recognise that I am most likely not helping bridge what appears to be a huge gulf between us but is far less likely to be so than you imagine
so I’m going to try to address it differently
people respond to tragedy in different ways and for each person that way is legitimate l. I have seen the consequences of anger beyond reason. Maybe you have observed the eyes of someone in a testosterone and cortisol fuelled rage. At that moment they are less than human. It is even worse when they justify the rage either blaming, protecting or saying they were in control of themselves
i have seen what anger and retribution does to others and have seen enough gut wrenching images of wars to know that there is no justification ever
I also know that when there are two or more parties to conflict they both justify their actions
but I have learnt to internalise my grief. I will not and cannot express sorrow and grief as you suggest or seem to want me to do.
I also know that there are few ways out of any conflicts - none of them involve emotion. Solving conflict is a practical matter and requires some level of reason and empathy - including empathy with whoever you think is the perpetrator. Look at the techniques of the most successful negotiators including in hostage situations
however when any party digs in options are more limited and it is my view that despite how I see Israel’s actions it remains in part a problem of many decades of digging in by both parties.
in a way the debate between us is a microcosm of this other more important conflict. Of course no doubt you think it is my “fault” and I can track your responses to me which allow me to adopt that position. But equally I think you have been “at fault”, intentional or otherwise because of the methods with which you debate
I can recognise and acknowledge that I have upped the ante as I have become increasingly frustrated by you ascribing emotions and thoughts and characteristics that simply don’t exist for me.
That’s unhelpful - I really do wish you wouldn’t assume, put words in my mouth, misrepresent what I have said or use pure emotion to attack me. I know they are personal triggers for me and I regret that. It does not however change the facts of history or how I feel about the conflict
