Barbarians All

Next, we should all recognize war is war. I hate it. I don't want it. But we have it anyway.

As nearly as I can determine, this war was started by Hamas and Hezbollah, whether or not in collusion. They've been itching for the opportunity to kill more Jews. They want to be rewarded by Allah for their Jihad. According to the tribal values of the Jihadists, infidels are not people, they are like cows and goats, so it is not criminal to slaughter them. Jihadists place a higher value on their horses and dogs than infidels. Note that infidels are anyone not a member of the tribe, including Jews, Christians, Buddhists and Atheists and any others not pledging allegiance to Allah. Infidels can even be anyone not of the same racial and ethnic group.

But, I set aside who started it. I apply Jihadist values to the Jihadists themselves. This is allowable under the ethical principal of generalization: what's good for the goose is good for the gander. So, I do not bemoan the deaths of all those Arab civilians, even though I think the Israelis were barbaric in killing them.

From the Israeli point of view, using the primitive tribalist value system now in charge, the Arabs are like pigs. Since they are infidels, it is permitted to rid the world of them. It is very sad, however, that those killed bear some resemblance to human beings. It would be much easier if they actually looked like pigs. Because I believe in equal treatment, I don't bemoan Israeli deaths even those slain do not look like pigs. The Arabs were barbaric in killing them.

So, what does this come to? Unless everyone involved starts recognizing everyone involved as human beings, there will be no end of it. As long as things go on as they have been and are, one should steel oneself against the atrocities both sides commit. Those atrocities - and that is what they are - are not only immoral, but probably illegal. But none of that matters as long as no one is a human being.

Since it appears the only thing that will stop the carnage is so much carnage that the warriors become sick of it and throw away their weapons, I say on with it! Let the lawless jungle hell take them all. Let no one interfere.

Meantime, Americans should not watch this gory gladiatorial event. It shouldn't be on TV or radio. For myself, I click off reports about that sordid affair. I think we should avert our eyes until honest reporters tell us they've had enough.

Why do I take this view? Because, in the past, that was the only thing that worked in Europe and elsewhere. It is not right or just, but that is the way it is.