“Retraction” or “I suck”
Posted by Ryan on July 17th, 2006
This retraction is mostly for the apparently offensive “Israel Sucks†headline which probably would have been more appropriately written, “Why I take exception to some of Israel’s tactics in procuring land unto themselvesâ€
Yes, mostly I am retracting the headline, but there were also several well reasoned points made within the discussion that I feel I will have to concede. Normally I might have made my concessions within the comments section of my post, but I felt this deserved a little more publicity, mostly since I have earned the title amongst a few readers of “Anti-Semiteâ€. This title was bestowed, most publicly, at the snarkernackle (a place well-known for loving everybody and discouraging hatred whenever possible). I have no desire to make the Blogger of Jared a haven for Anti-Semitism or anything similar. My post was not intended to encourage blanket disdain but to be a criticism of what I felt were unjust actions by Israeli soldiers.
So here are my retractions:
1. Israel does not suck. They, like other countries, have occasionally been guilty of excessive aggression. As a nation, however they seem to be interested in promoting the general welfare of the free world (at least as much as the other free nations). Murder does suck. On that point there seems to be no disagreement.
2. The stage has been set for the return of the Jews and the Lord has set aside lands in Palestine for this purpose. How much land has been set aside is obviously debatable so I am still reluctant to condone any continuing settlement expansion.
3. I neither hate the Israeli state nor the Jews. Indeed, I have said before and will probably say many times in the future, that if not for Mormonism, I would probably reject today’s form of Christianity and convert to Judaism (if they would have me).
So there you go. It’s not the first time I have been wrong on this blog. Nor will it be the last. It will probably also not be the last time my words will offend. My apologies in advance…
Man, you so totally caved. JK, Very well said if a bit hard to do. -
Comment # 1 left by OKIE on July 17th, 2006
Ryan:
Walt Whitman once said: “All faults may be forgiven of him who has perfect candor.”
So, in that spirit, I fully accept your retraction.
I think it’s probably safe to say that of all who regularly read and comment on BoJ, I know you the best. As such, I can say with an extremely high level of confidence that there isn’t an ounce of anti-semitism in you.
Perhaps you were a bit overzealous in your feelings about the individual Palestinian man who related that story to you? Who knows; I’m just glad we’re pretty much on the same page now.
Comment # 2 left by Wade on July 17th, 2006
if a bit hard to do. -
Yes, admittedly it was very difficult to not include a list of things I still believe I am right about. Pride is a strange thing that way. I guess that’s why retractions are so rare in forums like these.
Comment # 3 left by Ryan on July 17th, 2006
Hmm…I didn’t follow the comments of your other post, but if you are going from the Book of Mormon, then the Jews will be converted to Christ before they are restored to Isreal. I posted on the Mormon transition away from that here.
Comment # 4 left by J. Stapley on July 17th, 2006
Uh oh, looks like there was/is some hidden ammo out there for you Ryan.
I predict yet another interesting Israel post.
Comment # 5 left by Wade on July 17th, 2006
I don’t have a religious position on the middle east problems. The Church is officially neutral for reasons that go beyond wanting not to offend anyone.
As for a political position, I have taken one on my political blog where I essentially argue that the Palestinians no longer have a legitimate claim on the land. It doesn’t matter now if it was right to create Isreal, it only matters what has happened since then.
Comment # 6 left by Bradley on July 18th, 2006