General Category > Ask JTF
Ask JTF for Sunday, May 2, 2010
tron77:
Shalom Chiam
Thanks again for your recommendations. I am actually midway through The Revolt. Perhaps one of my favorite lines in the book, is Begin's reference to the awakening of the Jewish Soldier after 2000 years. I hope we dont fall back asleep. When I think of Begin, Sharron, or even Dahan and some of the amazing and honorable accomplishments and then compare that with some of their incredible failings and dishonorable legacy. I began to ask why such strong personalities, who risked so much and made such strides for the Jewish people later became shadows of their former self. And I think it is because these men were great in the context, but when they were done their initial task (lets say as specific battle in 67 or 73 war) they were not capable to fill the role of government posts or leadership within the system. Or for that matter make decisions as a statesman. This would include Dahan and the temple mount/Hevron, Sharron and the Second Intafada, and Begin with Egypt and the territories We always like to believe that if someone is a great military leader, that they will be a brilliant statesman, and its simply not true. As we are humans, we are prone to flaws. and for me the life story of all of these men, showed how flawed things can become and that we must keep that in mind. I know you have suggested that if they were religious then they would have made better end game decisions, but outside of that What are your thoughts on the idea of military leader vs a statesman? Thanks!
PS. Just finished your discussion on how you felt when you were doing fire bombings in NY, and I can see how the book "the Revolt" could empower a young Jew. I wish this was required reading for Jewish kids. In the book Begin mentions during a operation when there were wounded, and a bus road by and they were saying that they were doing this for them, and I imagine this is how you and others felt in doing something for our landsman whom you didnt even know personally. While I know you no longer advocate destruction, its a shame that all options can not be used in terms of Iran, Syria, and the Arab states that are in the US to draw attention to the crimes they commit.
Have you thought of writing a book?
Tron77
jtf1:
Hello Chaim,
This week I have three questions.
1. Do you think we should regard jesus as our beloved brother?
after all, he is one of the most famous jews in history (if not THE famous, correct me if I'm wrong),
had very original ideas and views of life, and I don't think he should be blamed for all that has happened after his death.
By the way, I'm asking this out of curiosity and don't mean any disrespect for christian believers.
2. Do you feel more American or Israeli ?
and finally 3, could you please tell us the amazing story of John O'Neill.
Thanks for your time,
Joey
Manch:
Shalom Chaim,
HaRav Kahane, ZT"L HY"D, often quipped that Jews, are brilliant in all spheres except when it comes to self-preservation - were we, consistently demonstrate complete lunacy and idiocy. Now, I know it sounds harsh, but I think that rabbi Kahane, unfortunately for him and for all of us, can be a case in point.
Why did not Rabbi Kahane had body guards? If he did, what happened to his bodyguards on that fatal day? There was two shots, where the 2nd shot in the neck was a fatal one. Therefore, this murder, if rabbi Kahane has exercised basic caution, could have been averted. Along with that, there could be thousands of Jewish and Gentiles lives spared as well if dear rabbi was still with us.
Rabbi Kahane knew that he was a marked man so he should have always had a group of bodyguards with him. One can not rely on a miracles for protection! I think rabbi Kahane was very callous and did not heed to his own advice. What can we say about Jews as a whole if our best leaders do not act prudent?
Secularbeliever:
Shalom Chaim
After your discussion of marijuana last week I found myself wondering to what degree you believe it is the role of government to protect people from themselves. I tend to be more LIbertarian believing that adults (unless they have been proven incompetent) should be allowed to make their own decisions. I agree with you that smoking marijuana is a bad idea and in a perfect world nobody would do it. I concede your point that legalizing it would probably result in more users. You kept asking, then why do it.
The part of the discussion that you left out was the cost of enforcing such laws. The cost of the law enforcement personnel, prisons, the encroachment on our liberties, etc. Also while criminalizing drugs might keep some people from using them (it does not make them unavailable, I can tell you that) it also makes it profitable for the sellers of drugs. The gangs and dealers earn huge amounts of money because of the high markups they get as a result of the illegality of the drugs.
I would be all in favor of the death penalty, widely used, for anyone selling drugs to minors, but I don't believe the government should keep adults from making their own decisions. I also believe that government should not be keeping people from other vices such as gambling, prostitution homosexualty (none of which I condone) etc. I know you disagree with that but isn't that the difference between religion and government? Government should be protecting our liberties and keeping us safe from others who would harm us (against our will) while religion should teach people to live purer and better lives, and how to restrain themselves. Government should keep people from hurting others and committing offenses against other people while religion should keep us from committing offenses against G-d and his laws.
Spiraling Leopard:
Hello Chaim,
did you ever speak to Jesse Helms after you got out of prison?
Thank you,
Robert.
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