israeli politics

i asked chat what to do about solving our problem.  It gave me an answer but I kept resisting the advice.  See?

Convincing someone that their argument is dangerous can be a delicate process that requires empathy, understanding, and effective communication. Here’s a step-by-step approach you can take:

  1. Choose the Right Time and Place: Find a suitable time and place for the conversation. Make sure both you and the person you’re speaking to are in a calm and receptive state of mind.

This may be the biggest obstacle of all.  Neither of us are calm now.  We are too worried about what will happen if we lose, to be receptive.  So let’s say I can pretend and move on.

  1. Listen Actively: Before presenting your concerns, give them the opportunity to explain their argument fully. This shows that you respect their perspective and are willing to engage in a thoughtful discussion.

So far, everyone I’ve spoken to on the other side has spouting such nonsense I lose respect for them with the first sentence.  After that, I sit there with a fake smile.

 

  1. Find Common Ground: Start by acknowledging any valid points in their argument. This establishes common ground and makes them more open to considering your perspective.

The first goal, of living in peace, works perfectly.  Most of us believe that Jews deserve a homeland.  After that, it’s chaos.  No two people of all the millions can agree how it can be realized.  Even within our own family.

  1. Express Concerns, Not Judgments: Frame your concerns as your own perspective rather than passing judgment. Use “I” statements to explain how their argument makes you feel or what you see as potential risks.

Response:  Pooh-pooh.

  1. Provide Evidence and Examples: Back up your concerns with factual evidence, real-world examples, and logical reasoning. Present data, studies, or experiences that illustrate the potential dangers of their argument.

Fake news

  1. Appeal to Shared Values: Highlight shared values that you both care about. Explain how their argument might conflict with these values and why it’s important to consider the broader implications.

Okay, I’ll have to work on this

  1. Offer Alternatives: Suggest alternative viewpoints or solutions that address the concerns without the associated dangers. This shows that you’re not just criticizing their argument but also trying to find a better way forward.
  2. Use Empathy: Show empathy by acknowledging their perspective and emotions. Avoid coming across as condescending or dismissive, as this can lead to defensiveness.
  3. Ask Thoughtful Questions: Ask open-ended questions that encourage them to think deeper about their argument. These questions can help them reconsider their stance and explore the potential consequences.
  4. Stay Calm and Respectful: Keep the conversation respectful and avoid becoming confrontational. If emotions start to escalate, take a break and revisit the discussion later.
  5. Highlight Experts and Authorities: If relevant, refer to experts or authorities in the field who share your concerns. Citing respected sources can lend credibility to your argument.
  6. Share Personal Experiences: If you have relevant personal experiences that shed light on the dangers of their argument, share them in a non-accusatory manner.
  7. Appeal to Their Desire for Good: Many people genuinely want to contribute positively to society. Frame your concerns in a way that appeals to their desire to do good and avoid harm.
  8. Be Patient: Changing someone’s perspective takes time. It’s unlikely that they’ll completely change their mind in one conversation. Planting seeds of doubt and critical thinking can lead to gradual change.
  9. Follow Up: After the initial conversation, follow up with additional information, resources, or examples that reinforce your concerns. This demonstrates your commitment to the topic and encourages ongoing reflection.

Remember, people are more likely to be receptive to change when they feel heard and respected. Approach the conversation with an open mind and a genuine desire to help them see the potential dangers in their argument.

 

try try and try again – august 19, 2023 Read Post »

israeli politics

Because the present is so hard, we seem to be recovering a great deal of history.  Avia Kushner’s substack inspried me to dig up old photos of a close friend of my parents.  A letter from a woman I never met reminded me that her father used to visit us when I was a small child, and opened up a whole geneological history I didn’t know about.  A Russian encyclopedia article about the history of psychology and my late mother-in-law made me gather information from all kinds of relatives.  Even the dog reminded me of the history of dog breeds.

 

the past Read Post »

israeli politics

Nah, I’ll just stick with the past.  It was 11 years ago that some of us writers were invited to the Knesset to discuss the situation of literature in Israel.  Me, I’m near the opposite corner here on the four-table square.  

I was one of the many who gave a talk about their unique situations and the needs of all the writers.  An inclusive organization was proposed. 

I’d been in the Knesset a few times before.  Once a dozen writers sat with Shimon Peres to speak of writing in other languages.  After that he never missed an opportunity to speak with me, I once interviewed him, and I sent him all my books because he always wrote back detailed observations.   

I don’t think I’ve been back there since.  

 

past and painful present – August 18, 2023 Read Post »

israeli politics

Even if we hadn’t been home protecting our cleaner from the threatening dog, we wouldn’t have been able to take the heat and the threat of violence at the opening of the new light rail.  After so many years of waiting this was indeed an exciting event, but Bibi cut the ribbon, and the protesters made so much noise he had to shout even though the mike was on full volume.  So we watched it on tv, where they had a hard time cutting the protesters out of the frame and adjusting the sound.

Of course the new light rail is exciting but doesn’t come close to solving any of the problems of Tel Aviv, and it is not surprising that the Mayor was not even invited.  

Light Rail – August 17, 2023 Read Post »

israeli politics

I’ve been writing almost every day for over 20 years.  I don’t read it, because that would start making me self-conscious, artistic, and fake.  I also don’t fool around with the mechanics.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.  If one of you wrote to tell me that a link was broken or a fact was wrong I’d try to fix it somehow, but that’s it.  Today, however, the extreme heat and the dog we’re babysitting for is keeping us pretty much at home for the fourth day and I had some time to actually look at this site.  Pretty old-fashioned and rickety, heh?  I fixed a few links on the articles page, but it’s still a mess.  But let me know if something bothers you in particular.  If I stay home tomorrow I’ll really soup up the articles page.  Maybe.  

of course this looks amateurish – august 16, 2023 Read Post »

israeli politics

I watch him on tv enjoying dinner with his wife on vacation (how many have there been this summer?) and I cannot imagine how he thinks this summer will end.  Can he see any realistic conclusion?  Is he prepared to grab the plane he bought years ago with government money and head to Panama?  What devious plot could he possibly have to sacrifice this country and save himself?

how does he think it will end? August 16, 2023 Read Post »

israeli politics

don’t worry.  Nasrallah is not going to attack us now.  That would be the only think that would unite us, and he knows if he just waits, he won’t have to attack…

I watch his face as he pretends to threaten us – he’s happy, almost thrilled, at our behavior.

 

 

war – august 15, 2023 Read Post »