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Michael D. Ballantine
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Michael D. Ballantine's Discussions
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Of course the Israelis are the more willing partner. Israelis need peace to survive. The Palestinians can't justify all the pain and suffering for the past 60 years unless they have total victory.Israel should annex the West Bank and Gaza, absorb th…
Not so much weird as practical. Anyone who thinks that Israel will give up the settlements that have been built with so much treasure and blood is a fool. That being said, anyone who thinks the Palestinians will make peace by accepting anything less…
It would seem the UN is going the way of the league of nations. An ineffectual talking group that is more concerned about appearances than reality. What they are saying is that war is inhumane and should never occur. As the country responsible for l…
Be serious. Why must an Israeli become Palestinian? Why must they become a Muslim? Israel is a democratic country suffering from schizophrenia. The whole point of a democracy is to give each person a voice. The only thing standing in the way of unit…
The hawks will need to get back in their cages. No one is going to support a pre-emptive strike on Iran. Not today, not ever. You can thank George Bush for that. He wasted America's credibility with Iraq. Nobody wants egg on their face and America d…
A wonderful analysis, now what can we do?
Michael
Sorry to disappoint. Whether he is an illegal or perfectly legal, he is the legal president of the US. He was elected by the electoral college to be President. They can choose whomever they want. In fact they could vote for Mickey Mouse. To remove O…
Comment Wall (11 comments)
- At 9:40am on February 24, 2009,
couragehonorvalor said…
- Not having an intimate knowledge of Israeli politics, I'm going to default to principle, and rational pragmatism. A centrist coalition (center - right) seems - especially in this climate of shifting priorities from the States - to be the most reasoned approach, and the safest. Reasoned, in that some of these fringe groups lack it. Safest, in that one ought to move forward with the largest consensus practically possible, in order to spread the accolades (read: blame) around.
- At 7:23am on February 24, 2009,
couragehonorvalor said…
- Fair to say.
- At 10:32am on February 23, 2009,
couragehonorvalor said…
- Michael,
I'm finished with this... Take a look at my last post, dated today, for my farewells.
Best of luck.
chv
- At 6:30pm on February 20, 2009,
couragehonorvalor said…
- I'll take opportunity to reflect on the amalgamation in short order. Truly much of what we all say is bunk, and few of us are willing to admit it. I think you sometimes enjoy positing an "inflammatory" idea in order to see the resultant squeals. On the street one would call it being set up. Again, funny.
- At 11:59am on February 20, 2009,
couragehonorvalor said…
- I think I called you David once (I guess I'm a silly goose). Michael, where we part in agreement in some things, I get the sense that you are a critical thinker, and your logic bears a pragmatism which allows me see into your motivations. I also believe that in order to get to the heart of a matter one must examine both sides of an argument. This is why I specifically seek out interaction with those who hold differing views than my own. With the notable exception of those who resort to personal insults. Funny. If they knew me, and my propensities, I suspect that they wouldn't go there. Here, I am on my best behavior. Kind regards.
- At 11:19am on February 20, 2009,
couragehonorvalor said…
- I am convinced that one usually acts in one's self-interest. At the end of the day, I will come to the aid of another because I think it is the right thing for me to do. (emphasis mine)
I like "Only over my dead body", however that phrase carries with it a commitment which is above the common experience.
In battle the most committed usually wins.
- At 6:15pm on February 19, 2009,
couragehonorvalor said…
- Funny you would mention that. My family and friends have been on long-standing notice that I would be leaving for Tel Aviv to fight with my brothers in the unhappy event that Israel ever were in real danger of demise. If this is a serious endeavour then I would be honored to align myself with it. My daughter has expressed her desire to go with me, as well. The apple doesn't fall far...
- At 8:52am on February 19, 2009,
couragehonorvalor said…
- I always take a minute to read your posts...
You bring perspectives of which I would never have thought.
Usually makes me chuckle.
- At 7:19am on February 12, 2009,
couragehonorvalor said…
- Churchill happens to be one of my great inspirations. However, in light of recent events, I have lost all confidence in all leaders. It's all bs. They're all out for themselves, and you and I suffer. That's it. Warm greetings from San Francisco.
- At 7:54am on February 11, 2009,
couragehonorvalor said…
- M,
Thanks for taking a moment to respond. Your insight led me to pause and re-think my view of the man. Fair enough. I do believe that a true warrior demonstrates respect for his enemy. Perhaps grudging admiration. I still have some hard feelings about that whole thing, but it does make sense that it was his character that endeared him to the Vietnamese - which you have pointed out. He might have sided with us, but it appears LBJ did not treat him with respect... unthinkable mistake on LBJ's part. As for another leader under that criteria, I can't think of one off-hand.
chv
Profile Information
- My politics on Israel
- Hawk
- About Me:
- Graduated from Dickinson College 1984 with BA in Judaic Studies. Worked in international trading for 16 years, now teaching English
- Feelings About Israel
- Love Israel, hate its politics. Believe Zionism must move beyond the original goals of establishing a homeland for Jews,mission accomplished. There needs to be a new philosophy that exemplifies the best that Judaism can bring to the people.
- Been to Israel?
- Been once
- Your religion and denomination
- Agnostic
- Who did you prefer in the 2008 US Election?
- Neither
- Who is your preferred Israeli leader?
- Feiglin
- Do you believe the Jewish Temple will be rebuilt in your lifetime?
- Yes
- Your relationship status:
- In a relationship
- Age Range
- under 18
- Who are your heroes and inspirations in life?
- The IDF, King Arthur, Ho Chi Minh
- What is/was your Alma Mater and your Major?
- Dickinson College, Judaic Studies
- What is your occupation or profession?
- English Teacher
- Romantically and sexually, I am:
- Open to possibilities
- In terms of relationships, I:
- like old-fashioned correspondence
- Regarding religion, my desired mate should be...
- Agnostic
- Regarding promiscuity, I am....
- Normally monogamous
- Regarding smoking, I:
- live and let live
- Regarding alcohol, I:
- drink socially
- Regarding drugs, I:
- don't ask and don't tell
- Regarding sex, I:
- am discreet
- Regarding kashrut and dietary observances, I am:
- Not kosher
- Regarding holidays and the sabbath, I am:
- Not observant
- Describe your physical appearance and your best feature(s)
- Average height and build, tush
- Describe your nature and what's special about you?
- I am an honest, hardworking guy. I set long term goals and then accomplish them. I am an excellent problem solver and like nothing more than to tackle 5 problems at once. I enjoy reading, playing the occasional computer game, gardening and space related studies. I am a bit of an intellectual.
- Describe the person you are dreaming about
- Someone that is patient and understanding, enjoys cooking.
- What's the most surprisingly sensitive part of your body?
- Need to find out.
- What makes you laugh?
- Life and self-deprecation
- What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
- Parachuting
- What is your sign and birth year? Do you believe in astrology?
- Aries, 1963, I am a true Aries.
- What are you looking for in your desired mate?
- A muse.
- What are your favorite ways to relax and have fun?
- Reading a good book, dancing all night.
- Please remember to upload one or more photos, or videos, or more!
- I did
Michael D. Ballantine's Journal
Change We cannot Afford
Americans elected Barak Obama to be the new President. A man whom would bring change. Not just change to government programs, but a sea change in how America acts overseas. So far it seems there is plenty of rhetorical change, but where is the substance?
Obama was elected on an anti-war pledge. He said that we would reduce our forces by one brigade a month until we exited Iraq in 16 months. There was no discussion about transferring those forces to Afghanistan. Instead we would use the savings… Continue
Obama was elected on an anti-war pledge. He said that we would reduce our forces by one brigade a month until we exited Iraq in 16 months. There was no discussion about transferring those forces to Afghanistan. Instead we would use the savings… Continue
Posted on April 11, 2009 at 5:15am —
Iranian Red Herring
One of the rarest things a politician can do is tell the truth. What if Ahmadinejad is telling the truth? What if Iran is not building a bomb? Certainly they are making all the right moves to give them a capability, but what if this is simply an effort to goad Israel into attacking Iran. That might seem like an expensive game of chicken, but think about it for a moment.
Iran sees itself as the ultimate guardian of the Shia tradition. A tradition that is largely an anathema to westerners with so… Continue
Iran sees itself as the ultimate guardian of the Shia tradition. A tradition that is largely an anathema to westerners with so… Continue
Posted on April 6, 2009 at 8:55am — 24 Comments
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