First, thanks again for circulating these thoughtful remarks. Making connections with past horrors like 9/11 is instructive for anyone of good will.

Second, the critiques of Christianity and the bellicosity of the Tenakh [the holy books of Judaism, one of which is the Torah] are warranted. Of course the Qu’ran has enormous violence imbedded in its pages, too. The sad reality is that all religious traditions are tainted in this respect. However, surely the pervasive problem is the determination by far too many in every generation to weaponize religion. And one can hardly gainsay the vast positive impact of religion in the lives of so many individuals and cultures. Religion has a place in the public square, but not in the political process.

Third, 9/11 and the current debacle; No two conflicts, despite congruencies, are ever identical. As Twain, I believe, said, “History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme.”

The horror of 9/11 and the cowboy posse response of Mr. Bush does not compare with the ongoing campaign of the Islamic Republic of Iran to destroy Israel, murder Jews everywhere, and undermine even the best elements of the West, including the ongoing attempt at preserving the integrity and security of persons under law. Leave us not only be cautious of implicitly lauding the October 7 perpetrators, but also of a regime that routinely and profligately murders its own people, from the Baha’i to the January protestors.

As to Israel and Hamas and other Iranian proxies, the Israeli’s exist year over year amidst perpetual existential threats. Those threats are not only external. The extreme Haredim and the unholy Netanyahu cabal are also deadly to Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu is an abomination. But then, forgive me, so is your current President, tragically so during the 250th. Anniversary of your already great Republic.

It’s a mess, Dick. And like so many of our aging generation, beyond raising my voice where possible and welcome, I have reached the stage of life where I mainly observe.

Still, I find it impossible to give way to despair. For me, Easter is.

I find I reflect a great deal on Tennyson. “‘Tis not too late to build a better world.” But our tools are worn, our energy low.

Blessings on your continued thought and voice,

Jim

 James Taylor Christie