Yeah, Americans have a very self centered point of view when it comes to the world.

Oh, and the HNT...how sweet...looks like you could use a backrub. :)

HAPPY HNT!

Have a happy Thursday. I hope you get all the work you need to so that you can have a great weekend.

I agree with you! So many people dismiss history, and turn around and make their own judgments based on media, and pretty much hear-say. This is also very true in instances where they want someone to be made out to be a hero as well. I just have this sick feeling that G.W. Bush will end up looking like a Gem in about 100 years and people will say what a great leader he was... Yeah live in the times people!

bravo
most american know zilch about history, let alone the middle east's history.
Doesn't stop'em from voicing opinions.
I try very hard not to form an opinion until I get as much background as possible.
Taking a course on middle east history would be fascinating to do.
I'll consider this book.
thanks you

I agree with Polt, most americans (myself included) have a very self-centered view of the world in general

i have tried to keep abreast of world news but usually don't look much past the newspaper and that is always always a one sided biased source.......so yeah, like most other americans poorly informed of the real happenings in the world......happy HNT....sweet sweet pic of you man, and yeah, looks like you could use a backrub...have a good weekend buddy

So true! I know very little about how the middle east got to where it is today. I will definitely be checking out that book.

And very nice HNT! Here comes the massage! ;)

I agree. I have been pushing my boyfriend to study the history that has brought us to where we are. I started studying it all when I was in college.

It is a sad conflict that has been going on for so long.

As you stated so well --- the point is --- before forming an opinion one needs to understand the subject matter upon which the opinion is formed. Sadly, I think most US citizens don't get that.

...the point of your post.

It is very interesting to see as an outsider of your country the views held by people inside your country about outside your country. It was also very interesting being in your country watching the news which consisted of what is happening inside your country only and Israel, as if both countries were joined at the hip.

It was also interesting to see while I was over there how some people didnt even know where Australia was, let alone understand the reasons behind foreign policy.

I think the media feeds the masses, almost like the movie "Wag the Dog", how easy it is to get a group of people and a nation to believe in something for political reasons. Fear and ignorance will always drive the majority of people.

Knowledge is power. It's about time people start to think for themselves rather than let someone else do it for you remember as part of a "fast food" nation, it isnt only what is put into your mouths that can be junk food.

I agree!! A person should do some research and form their own opinion on any issue.
Happy HNT

where is this hnt everyone is referring to?

Happy HNT.. Hope your schedule permits a more rested life for you soon.

Take care buddy.

polty: Unfortunately that is true (for the most part) they also have a tendency to take what the media/government feeds them at face value. Which is in fact far more tragic.

john: Thanks :) I am actually much more well rested today.

jimmi: There is no doubt in my mind (and I have been saying this myself for some time) that GW will be exposed one day, hopefully it will be during his lifetime.

ur-spo: I think it is wonderful you do not take what is fed to us as factual. As I said, we must come to understand more than what is happening at this exact moment if we ever hope to resolve our differences.

patti: I agree, but the fact that you are aware of this is one step forward.

doug: More importantly it is how Israel as a Nation came to be which will certainly result in a new perspective. Let me know what you think of the book.

liquid: Spot on man!!!! Yes, this is exactly what I am getting at, we put too much faith in the assumption that our government (and media) has our best interests in mind and are honest with us. Your second paragraph is especially important...I suppose the answer lies in the efforts of our government to dehumanize these men and women, dismissing their acts as the work of a unified fanatical group such as Al Qaeda or even more dispicable, as a result of their individual religous fanaticism, which is spurred on by a "dubious faith" which advocates "excessive" violence.

Thank you so much for that "rant" it was greatly appreciated.

matt: It is certainly a tragic conflict for all involved, and I applaud your efforts to enlighten your boyfriend that it is only through understanding (even in the most general sense)how things have come to pass that we may hope to have any impact on change and resolution.

Cesco: But you see we are joined at the hip, and few here in this country realize how much the father & protector of Modern Israel the USA is. If only more people sought to understand that fact and how it came to happen.

I have encountered the geographically challenged often in my family, friends, and even remote acquaintences. It always saddens me.

Fear and ignorance yes, I agree, will often drive the masses unfortunately. Great "junk-food" analogy mate! Hah :)

mikey: If only more did just that!

madamrouge: I didn't like the picture so much, so I removed it sorry.

steve: Thanks! I have one more night of this shift and I am back to days, at least for a couple weeks *sigh*