Posted on 11/11/2004 7:16:53 AM PST by SJackson
Consoling the Palestinian people is not a work of mercy. Illuminating them as to the history of the monster who led them would be. Perhaps then they would follow a leader who would bring them true peace and a better life. To quote you that would be....
Nice.
Thank you for posting. As an Evangelical, if I'd read about Billy Graham saying such things, I'd be completely disgusted, clearly distance myself from his viewpoint, and demand he retract his words. Some people seem to think this is "just another anti-Catholic thing". But it isn't.
I think you get further on the human scale if you offer a shoulder and not a lecture. But that's just me.
SD
Giving them a shoulder to mourn the death of the man who kept them from establishing a homeland and peace in their lives? The collective shoulders of diplomats from around the world are all there, yet in the end nothing will have been accomplished once they finish eulogizing this monster. Do them a favor and let them see the truth of who Arafat was, now that's a work of true mercy.
It's really about truth. The empathy and praise for Arafat being sent by not only the Vatican, but democratic governments from around the world is one large collective LIE! Michael Moore would be proud to make a film tribute so it could be included in our children's history lessons.
Yes, exactly. It helps to see them as humans and not as "the enemy."
I don't know why so many seem to want to use this moment to express their superiority. It certainly isn't a Christian attitude.
SD
Where in my statement have I said they are the 'enemy'? Seeking to tell the truth is not a superior attitude, and it most certainly is Christian. Apparently you would prefer to hug them and lie to them at the same time. Maybe you could take Arafat's place, after all that is what he did to them. He hugged their children, right before he showed them how to strap on explosives and board an Israeli bus.
I very much doubt this came from the Pope. There are some terrorist-appeasers at the Vatican, that's for sure.
Thank you... I agree.
Umm, Jewish history, which sites that the Old Testiment or the Kabala and such were not penned until the exile to Babylon.
It's all over your patronizing attitude.
Seeking to tell the truth is not a superior attitude, and it most certainly is Christian. Apparently you would prefer to hug them and lie to them at the same time.
I would prefer to treat them as human, feel for their grief and then begin working on bringing them into the world of reality.
Coming in blazing with lectures about how stupid and evil they are is no way to go about things.
Really, you would think an expression of sympathy for people grieving would be unexceptional.
SD
Well, we all have our own take and it’s praise to me. Frankly the idea that he “loved his people” and “guided them to independence” is repulsive. Like most tyrants, Arafat trampled his “people” in pursuit of power.
The death of Yasser Arafat is a significant moment in Palestinian history. We express our condolences to the Palestinian people. For the Palestinian people, we hope that the future will bring peace and the fulfillment of their aspirations for an independent, democratic Palestine that is at peace with its neighbors. During the period of transition that is ahead, we urge all in the region and throughout the world to join in helping make progress toward these goals and toward the ultimate goal of peace.
The Pope:
In this hour of sadness at the passing of President Yasser Arafat, His Holiness Pope John Paul II is particularly close to the deceased's Family, the Authorities and the Palestinian People. While entrusting his soul into the hands of the Almighty and Merciful God, the Holy Father prays to the Prince of Peace that the star of harmony will soon shine on the Holy Land and that the two Peoples dwelling therein may live reconciled among themselves as two independent and sovereign States.
SD
Guess the Midrash got it wrong.
Before his death, Moses wrote 13 Torah Scrolls. Twelve of these were distributed to each of the 12 Tribes. The 13th was placed in the Ark of the Covenant (with the Tablets). If anyone would come and attempt to rewrite or falsify the Torah, the one in the Ark would "testify" against him.
Devarim Rabba 9:4
"The Holy See joins in the pain of the Palestinian people for the death of President Yasser Arafat. He was a leader of great charisma who loved his people and sought to lead them towards national independence. May God welcome in His mercy the soul of the illustrious deceased and give peace to the Holy Land, with two independent and sovereign States, fully reconciled with each other."
sJackson: Frankly the idea that he “loved his people” and “guided them to independence” is repulsive.
It says "he sought to lead them towards national independence." This is undoubtedly true. Whether or not he "loved" them is neither something we can assess, nor is it approriate for a consolation message.
It continues to stun how many here lack basic human sympathy, yet feel assured that they can read hearts and minds and tell who is damned and saved.
SD
Exactly!!!
To condone this by "joining in the pain of the Palestinian people" for his death is simply evil.
You don’t have to read his heart or mind. Read the PLO Charter or the Phased Plan of 1974. He laid out his objectives, and was consistent in achieving them. “National Independence” in a state next to Israel was never an issue, to his dying day. His objective was the destruction of Israel. He needed a “state” as a platform. It didn’t have to be in the West Bank. That’s why he started his career attempting to establish himself in Lebanon and Jordan. BTW, overthrow of the Jordanian government was a formal aim of Yasser’s as well.
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