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it's ok - just chill

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Rationalization occurs when someone truly believes an excuse for something. It protects the ego (a defense mechanism). The limerick pair below might stimulate thinking about war mentality and rationalization. First assertion: Israel is responding to the Hamas attack in this war. However, an Israel surrounded by enemies knows it needs to anticipate and prevent these attacks. Israel previously killed Hamas fighters who crossed into Israel. This did not lead to a war like we have now. If Israel had thwarted the Hamas attack as it should have, would we have had this war? Second assertion: The Israeli army cannot protect civilians since Hamas uses them as a shield. I have a doubt. This war created a trigger-happy environment, and has characteristics of an ongoing extermination. Quite the irony.

Hamas killers would the wall scale An Israel intelligence fail But revengeful war To settle that score Is rampage that veils this detail Dropping bombs with impunity Kills all kinds of humanity A terrorist's act In spite of the fact Hamas hides in community

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Robert Gorelick

Date: 5/20/2024 10:57:00 AM

Dear Duke, your cogent limerick offers much food for thought. It is an obscene fact that hatred, when given full reign, takes on a life of its own. History amply demonstrates that the gentlest souls are often morphed into sadistic demons in times of war. The Several Hamas and Israeli leaders have now been judged war criminals. Are we on a suicide course? Robert

Duke Beaufort
Date: 5/20/2024 5:05:00 PM

Robert, we're certainly on a bad course...hard to know how this all ends. Here's an anecdote. We were at the Brooklyn half-marathon this past Saturday to cheer on someone we knew. At one point we were spectating at mile 6. Just before us were several spectators sporting and Israeli flag and posters saying, "we stand with Israel." So far, no problem. We noticed some runners passing by were jubilant, but others scowled and gave the finger. This was worrisome to us and exists on both sides.

I Am Anaya

Date: 5/20/2024 9:16:00 AM

The international criminal court today put out arrest warrants for the Israeli leaders and Hamas leaders, they named names. If they go into any country, they'll be subject to arrest, including most of Europe...Watch out Netanyahoo! Iran's President killed in a helicopter crash Sunday, I suppose not much will change, replace him with another tyrant. (I beat my wife because I had to) an example of rationalization! lol.

Sotto Poet

Date: 5/18/2024 10:20:00 AM

Dear Duke, this limerick poem elucidates the rationalizations and unbiased explanations given during times of war, with a special focus on the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Furthermore, it explores the concept of how a mindset focused on war may result in pointless justifications and the degradation of the adversary, which I find to be a ludicrous aspect. You employed expressive and intellectually stimulating language to convey the message of the poem. Terms such as "rationalization," "trigger-happy," "extermination," and "shield" elicit intense feelings and underscore the seriousness of the issue. You utilize irony to emphasize the paradoxes and intricacies of this particular inhumane bloodshed.

Silent One

Date: 5/18/2024 7:02:00 AM

I agree with your sentiments... But, I ask you, if it was Israeli citizens (Jews) behind Hamas shields, would Netanyahu and his right wing party attack with so much venom? Yes, Hamas gave them an excuse to rampage and those who condemn them now, are the ones still giving them weapons... It shows, some lives are less worthy than others... Sad... I feel for the innocents killed in this pointless war...

Ink Empress

Date: 5/16/2024 11:46:00 PM

Sometimes we dont realize why some tend to resist and hate is created in this world because of so many reasons, dear duke. Brilliant rhymes in your limerick, and your understanding of the situation youv expressed very well. I personally think hamas did not think of civilians when they initiated wht they did because, what would one expect when attacking a country that has for so long been occupying gaza? Nothing good would come out “ Dropping bombs with impunity Kills all kinds of humanity” exactly what we see today. And so many innocent souls are affected on both sides because of the gcide! Sad! Along with israels own soldiers killed by them, but they were no shield. I pray for peace! In this world! A better world for all children and women!

Duke Beaufort
Date: 5/17/2024 6:48:00 PM

IE, it is indeed a mess and the longer this goes on the worse it will be. I think it will take an international intervention and a peace-keeping force. That will likely not happen. We're lucky to be living in a peaceful place for the time being. But peace requires a sustained effort to maintain. Sending you light, of course!!

Sally Eslinger

Date: 5/15/2024 10:31:00 PM

Duke, i have all my life had problems figuring out this situation in mid-east& think u’ve actuallyreally helped me cause i think we’re not dealing with A rationalization here, but with layers on layers of them! A fake with that many layers no knife can cut! Hmmmm

Duke Beaufort
Date: 5/16/2024 10:17:00 AM

Sally, I empathize with what you are saying. We have to analyze facts and be willing to change our minds sometimes. Part of the Middle East quagmire stems from use of Israel as a military surrogate to check Iran. However, in 1951 Iran had a parliamentary form of government. When the Iranian prime minister (Mosaddeq) and Iranian parliament attempted to nationalize the oil industry, the CIA and MI6 arranged for his ouster and subsequent autocratic rule by the Shah. Ultimately, there was a revolution that led to the zealous religious government and installation of a supreme leader in 1979. I wish Biden and Trump would review that episode in our history each time they label Iran as evil.

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 5/15/2024 6:02:00 AM

Dear Duke, your thought-provoking limericks really dig into the complex rationalization surrounding warfare, challenging us to confront the harsh realities often obscured by justifications. Your poetic voice compels introspection on the cyclical nature of violence and the blurring of lines between defense and rampage. And yet, even amidst the fog of war, we must strive to uphold our shared humanity and seek paths toward peace and reconciliation. Amen! - Blessings, Daniel

Duke Beaufort
Date: 5/15/2024 9:01:00 AM

Thanks Daniel, your comment is well considered and I agree with your analysis completely. The situation in Israel seems to be getting worse, and we hope the leaders involved respond appropriately to the tragedy in their midst. The political factors driving decisions don't seem to reflect ethical behavior. You are so very kind and generous in your own poetry and in the comments you leave for everyone!

Vijay Pandit

Date: 5/15/2024 5:16:00 AM

I am praying for peace. A powerful theme, Duke.

Duke Beaufort
Date: 5/15/2024 8:57:00 AM

Thanks Vijay, everyone one of us would like to see peace break out. Hard to believe people would rather die than compromise.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/14/2024 11:01:00 PM

I am so sick of all the middle east wars and terror. All over the globe, such selfishness and stupidity. And the common man suffers for it.

Duke Beaufort
Date: 5/15/2024 8:51:00 AM

Andrea, you are on target about the selfishness. The leaders who offer hatred have no empathy. They should spend some time in a war zone or in an area where people struggle in order to have an education.

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 5/14/2024 8:43:00 PM

It appears that they hide amongst, or are supported by. Who knows. My heart aches for innocent hostages, taken by anyone. This is a weighty subject. You are brave for writing about it

Duke Beaufort
Date: 5/15/2024 8:48:00 AM

Hilda, Like you, I feel incredibly sad about the hostages taken and their families. It's an intolerable situation that doesn't have the highest priority. It is widely recognized that the Hamas terrorists hide or shelter among civilians. This is given as the justification for killing the civilians Hamas uses as a "shield." I'm not on board with mass killing as the way to deal with this issue. If I had a leadership position in Israel, I would have focused on getting all the hostages released first and coming up with a way to protect the innocent Gazan's while dealing with Hamas. I find it hard to accept that killing en masse (using 2,000 lb bombs which kill everyone within hundreds of yards) is a viable or ethical solution.