Hi Bazz,

Thanks for contributing to this discussion.
I appreciate it. I think historically we have to look
at things in context. Plus the fact that the Christian
religion has a lot to answer. And the more research you
do - the more you realize how myths have grown and
unfortunately spread. Education helps deal with some of the
problems. As well as actually getting to know some Jewish
people. I have grown up with Jewish people. They have
been a strong part of my life - especially during the
decade spent in the United States and the University of
Southern California.

Stephen Vincent Benet's poem - written so long ago is
so relevant today. He wrote:

"Oh, where are you coming from, soldier gaunt soldier
With weapons beyond any reach of my mind
With weapons so deadly the world must grow older
And die in its tracks, if it does not turn kind".

This is so relevant for us today.

The United Nations chief said last year that one quarter
of humanity - 2 billion people are living in conflict
areas today and the world is facing the highest number of
violent conflicts since 1945 when WWII ended.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cited conflicts from
Yemen, Syria, Myanmar,, Sudan, to Haiti, Africa's Sahel,
and now the war in Ukraine. A catastrophe shaking the
foundations of the international order spilling across
borders and causing skyrocketing food, fuel prices that
spell disaster for developing communities.

Last year we're told that 84 million people were forced to
leave their homes because of conflict, violence and
human rights violations and that does not include the
Ukraine war which has already seen 4 million people flee
the country and displaced another 6.5 million within the
country, according to UN agencies.

Hence my comments about humanity's survival and getting rid of
hatred - is relevant. And with us having nuclear weapons today
the question of our survival becomes very real.

Hi Foxy,

Thanks for that poem and story, shocking how 2 billion of our fellow citizens of the world are living with conflict today.

I'll share a little experience from this week, considering the nark stories the forum haters are oft to post here about Aboriginals. On Wednesday afternoon, were had a training group of 12 Aboriginal lads from around Queensland who are part of a private enterprise group, training these kids (youths) in worthwhile occupations, in this case chefs. The purpose of the gathering was for them to present our charity with the first lot of 160 frozen meals (professionally prepared and packed) which will go out to needy members of the community. It was a terrific gesture from a great mob and we are so pleased to be on board and be beneficiaries of this worthwhile program.

BTW; The organisation is backed by one of Australia's largest companies. Our 3 freezers are stacked full at the moment.

Last night's news had Jews wanting a Palestinian writer banned from Writers Week because of her "hate speech" - i.e speech that didn't suit them. Worrying about who hates who, and trying to stir up other people to worry about it - when they sensibly do not - is BS. All people can be arseholes, and it's a waste of time taking sides with any of them.

In this case, I agreed with what the Palestinian woman said, and she was much better looking than a couple of whingeing old Jews.

Freedom of speech is for everyone.

"In this case, I agreed with what the Palestinian woman said, and she was much better looking than a couple of whingeing old Jews." Now how's that for a comment, what are you going to do ttbn, sit in the front row in your raincoat? Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Dear Paul,

Thank you for understanding my points about hate. The world
wide conflicts are horrific as are the domestic ones we see
on the news - of violence. Be they shootings, bashings
on the street and in parks, massacres like Christchurch,
police shootings, and so on.

I am so happy to learn about your positive involvement with
Aboriginal youth - and providing them with training and skills.
I'm sure your work will result in excellent results all round.
And good to hear that they are getting support from a large
company - Bravo to you all!

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks in his vault of quotes tells us that:

"In the short term, wars are won by weapons, in the long term, by
ideas. We need new ideas about what it means to honour human
difference while at the same time renewing the global covenant
of mankind".

"To build a society of freedom, you have to let go of hate".