My final word on the Israel / Lebanon situation is this:

[Redstone]

I'm not going to post about it anymore.

There are too many good folks here, many of whom I count as friends, who seem to have a very hard time with my position on this matter. I'll not apologize for that position, and (probably) won't change my mind. (Never say never, because things might change.)

But I will not expound my position here anymore. I value friendship much more than I do politics, or international happenings, or expressing my opinion.

Let me make it clear that I do not feel the weight of any any coercion, or feel defeated, nor do I harbor even a little bit of bitterness toward those who disagree with me on this issue. This is my decision. And mine alone.

DU is more important than my opinion. And the friendships I've built here are much more important to me than expressing those opinions.

I've already declared a Pain Emergency for tonight, so I'll see you all tomorrow.

Redstone

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Peace to you, Redstone

I honor your feelings, and hope that any pain you have is eased.

[Redstone]

2. Thank you. It's bad tonight. But that's not why I posted what I did.

I do want all DUers to understand that there are things more important than politics.

Redstone

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. You are so right

Sweet dreams, peaceful rest.

[in_cog_ni_to]

3. That's unfortunate, Redstone because

the Pro-Israel group here is already so small...we really NEED your voice. Israel needs your voice.

[cali]

5. Nice post

I am reminded of E.M. Forester's lovely essays about personal relationships in his splendid book "Two Cheers For Democracy".
As I recall, one of the things he said was: "If I had to choose between betraying my country and betraying a friend, I'd hope I'd betray my country."