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Date sent: Tue, 18 Sep 2001 20:04:06 -0700 Send reply to: Parkinson's Information Exchange Network <[log in to unmask]> From: "Bernard Barber,Ph.D." <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Fwd: Rabbi Michael Lerner To: [log in to unmask] > Here is another point of view, with the hope that we can allow > ourselves to try to understand other perspectives. Perhaps, after much > thought we can make a decision that we can all accept. > > > > >>A World Out of Touch With Itself: > >>Where the Violence Comes From > >> > >>by Rabbi Michael Lerner. > >>Editor, TIKKUN Magazine Bernie sent Rabbi Lerner's editorial to me privately, also. Here is my response to Bernie: ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Bernie, I can understand Rabbi Lerner's point of view, and I do agree with his basic attitude. But, we live in a practical world, and I am cynical enough to believe that it will take more than a world "revival" to change the views of zealots whose theology and political grounding is in the Sixth Century. When we unleashed our power on Khadafy's Libya (and apparently killed one of his offspring), he quieted down quite a bit. The terrorists cannot survive if they have no shelter; and whatever is done now should be directed against the governments who support people like Bin Laden. We could kill a thousand Bin Ladens, and more would step up to take their place; but if we get the message to the states which harbor these people that it will be disaster to them if they support the terrorists, we might get somewhere. They will certainly not "love us"; but they never will anyway. They need to *fear* us, sad as that may sound. Yes, innocent civilians will suffer. But, so did the civilians in Germany and Japan during WW II. There has been no movement within, say, Afghanistan, and a minimal, if any movement, say, within Iraq, to overthrow the oppressive governments involved; and so, until the governments are crippled or destroyed, the people will suffer unless they rise up against their leaders. I respect Rabbi Lerner for his position, but I believe that he is wrong. I have heard such polemics about "peace" and "compassion" before many times, including those who urged restraint and "negotiation" with folks such as Hitler. You and I are both old enough to know what that brought us. We need to destroy those who have supported these human animals. And we need to do it in such a way that anyone who wishes to follow with further support will think twice. Best, Bob ===================================== Rabbi Lerner is a good man. I respect those who would like to solve this problem peacefully. But, I believe, this has been taken out of our hands by the horrible acts that occurred last week, and that there will be more blood shed before this matter is settled. Best, Bob ********************************************** Robert A. Fink, M. D., F.A.C.S., P. C. 2500 Milvia Street Suite 222 Berkeley, California 94704-2636 Telephone: 510-849-2555 FAX: 510-849-2557 WWW: http://www.rafink.com/ mailto:[log in to unmask] "Ex Tristitia Virtus" ********************************************* ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn