Ironic Contradictions

I rarely like to talk politics, because it ends up messy. I do however like to discuss the ways in which the media discuss and analyse various issues going on. For instance the situation regarding the Gaza strip. I have plenty of friends and people I know who like to criticise Israel for their actions and yes I have to admit the way they go about doing things are quite tough. But in my eyes it seems to be a situation in which you also have to see things from their perspective: they live in a zone of the world racked by conflict and it often seems that everyone around them (particularly historically) has wanted their extermination at some point or other. Can you therefore blame them for acting in the ways they have? Well you could, but I at least understand it. Not to mention that I would love to ask some of my friends (if they could discuss it with me) what they believe Israel is meant to do when 100s of rockets are being fired at them by a group which is essentially a terrorist organisation. A lowlife one hiding behind their own people...but that's beside the point. 

Don't get me wrong: I'm  not taking one side or another in terms of attacking the ways this situation has unfolded. I for one have plenty of empathy and never want to see people die needlessly. However what I wanted to comment more about, is the danger of holding a high moral ground approach to any situation. Ironically something I'm trying to skirt around while writing this post. All I see in the media is criticism of Israel and vague suggestions that they should allow Hamas to be friends. But in my eyes that's a rather naive idea from a normally cynical news source.

I am never endorsing a militaristic mentality where we endorse and send people willingly to war. However I must question those who believe it is possible to stand neutral while under the constant bombardment of rocket fire. It is the same reason why I would find it hard to ever be agnostic in my beliefs - because I can't stand under spiritual rocket fire without taking a side. We should be humanistic in our approaches to anything, but I believe practicality must come first - then humanistic morals and ethics. 

So the overall point I guess I'm making? Don't make broad arguments for an issue without first considering both sides of the issue. I always try and do this - at times I fail - because it is part of who I am in terms of how I optimistically and cynically look at the big picture and because I never want to blindly follow the crowd. It's never worked out in history. So if there is one thing I can say without trying to tell you to believe one thing or the other on this issue it's this: trust your own instincts and what you believe is right, from various sources. Don't just believe an issue because everyone else says it is right. And personally I try to never take the moral highground just because I can (again something I fail at) - after all, how would you react in such a situation?

Oh and for the record, the weekend was amazing with a trip to the snow with close and beautiful friends there ;) and with seeing Guardians of the Galaxy (my favourite Marvel film to date) and the Church move!