An additional perspective
During the past several weeks, a number of op-ed articles and letters to the editor have appeared in The Beachcomber debating the Israeli-Palestinian issues on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the modern state of Israel.
I recommend to those various writers (Andrew Schwarz, Tom Bean, Jim Hauser, Kate Hunter, Maryrose Asher, Richard Paulis, Gene Lipitz and Mark Goldman) and to other Islanders concerned with this important issue the op-ed piece by Martin S. Jaffee, professor of Jewish and International Studies at the University of Washington, in the May 16 issue of The Seattle Times.
Professor Jaffee’s article, entitled “Israel at 60: a time of pride and reflection,” may serve, in my opinion, as a model of a measured, reflective and wise expression of opinion that is able to see the good and the not-so-good of the establishment of modern Israel.
Professor Jaffee shows his maturity and wisdom in being able to perceive shades of gray and of eschewing “the false absolutism of black and white” in the history of human affairs, including that of Israel and, I would add, the lives of all individuals.
Certainly it is a mark of psychological and spiritual health and maturity to be able to hold together one’s perception of good and bad and not to split it into absolutes that are half-truths.
Professor Jaffee acknowledges the flaws in its establishment and history yet also expresses his pride in Israel, which, in the face of continual threat of annihilation by its geographical neighbors and ongoing hostility of the “human rights” activists of the West, continues to insist on “the humanity of the Other even while celebrating [its] own.”
For similar reasons, I am well aware of the flaws of my own country, the U.S. of A., and am also very proud of her.
— William D. Carr, D. Min.
Too many, too aggressive
I am writing to comment on the call from Barbara Drinkwater, president of Vashon Island Pet Protectors, for Vashon residents to adopt dogs (pit bulls among them) from King County’s overcrowded shelters.
Please, don’t we have enough dogs on the Island already? On my walk this morning, I barely avoided several recent dog poops in the road. In the last two months I encountered two aggressive dogs, and over the past couple of years many more aggressive large dogs, many of them Rottweilers.
When I moved here I had hoped to take long walks on the beach and purchased nifty wellington boots, but on venturing out encountered free-roaming dogs, as many as six or seven in a group. I now have learned that a pit bull has been added to our neighborhood, whose owners have let it be known that they plan to run it on the beach.
I find VIPP’s request irresponsible, as I do their constant efforts to encourage people to adopt animals. There are too many people on this Island who believe anything goes here, who indeed moved here partly because of this belief. We just have too many incidents of inconsiderate behavior. Many have curtailed their enjoyable walks or walk in fear.
I hope other concerned persons will express themselves on this issues, and maybe suggest ways in which we can remedy this situation.
— T. Thorne
Slaughter’s got the right idea
As evidenced by the photograph accompanying her announcement of candidacy in your paper, it would appear that Carol Slaughter has chosen to inject sex into the campaign for mayor of Vashon. I am entirely in favor.
— Bill Wood
