Friday, November 23, 2012

In some Arab nations there are Moral Police. I don't recall their formal names.

I always thought it helped with 'self talk,' 'self identity,' when people were reminded of the glory of their religious values while carrying out every day activities. I didn't think it was a bad idea, just something the leadership saw as important in assisting the sophistication of their country's to move forward.

Muslims pray five times a day and with that in mind it is easy to understand how person to person reminders of 'values of the day' would be very important. Their devotion to their theocratic authority is paramount to their lives. They are not 'thought' police so much as reminders of the way things are.

At this point in Gaza, where so many do not understand this is a ceasefire leading to larger summits of power to define borders and assist the Palestinians to autonomy, it might be a very good idea if there were Moral Police within Gaza.

The idea that Hamas had a victory against Israel is what brought on this movement of Palestinians to the border fence. How many Palestinians actually understand Israel, want to understand Israel and know there is a lot of tolerance by Israel to seek a peaceful solution? Probably not many.

The Palestinians have come a long way from the earliest years of Arraf. They are recognized as a peoples, a homeland while moving toward sovereignty. Yet, the Palestinian people do not comprehend their achievements or their 'place,' if you will. They chronically 'rage against the machine' when in fact the machine exists because they rage against it.

I have no doubt there are many Palestinians and those belonging to Hamas that absolutely hate Israel and Hebrews and the Jewish faith. That will only change with time and generational acceptance. But, today, Hamas and Palestine have an opportunity to live without violence while being supported by the global community. Today, their opportunity, if well done, will live for generations and generations. But, if they throw away this opportunity they will suffer as in times past because they are unable to reach an understanding of tolerance and peace.

There sincerely needs to be a connection to the leadership of Gaza and its people. If roving holy men without guns will work, then do it. Be sure the Palestinians understand they are moving forward without violence and it is a good thing. Let them know their children are not in danger and should be studying books of math, language, rules of writing well and science like biology, physics and the natural world to prepare for the future. Tell them the days of hatred and anger are ending. Allow them to be grateful for those that died in promoting their lands and bringing about calm. Redirect their anger to ceremony of celebration of the sacrifice and allow them to understand they are not alone in the world and their future has a great of hope.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli troops fired Friday (click here) to push back Gaza crowds surging toward Israel's border fence with the Hamas-ruled territory, killing one Palestinian and wounding 19 in the first violence since a truce between Israel and Hamas took hold a day earlier.
Hamas security tried to defuse the situation and keep the crowds away from the border, signaling the incident is unlikely to jeopardize the Egyptian-brokered cease-fire.
The truce, which calls for an end to Gaza rocket fire on Israel and Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, came after eight days of cross-border fighting, the bloodiest between Israel and Hamas in four years....

And give some real thought to ending, or at least reducing, celebratory firing of guns and anti-aircraft guns. The weapons are no longer necessary to secure their place on the Mediterranean, but, instead peace and an economy that will rob poverty of its power.