• themeatbridge@lemmy.world
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    5 months ago

    My kids are 9 and 11. If they ask for something I want them to have, I get it for them. If they ask for something I don’t want them to have, I don’t get it for them.

    They’re smart for their age, but they’re kids.

    I think you’re torturing the metaphor a bit much. I just meant I don’t believe that Harris is going to listen to progressives on Israel. I wish she would, and I’m going to vote for her regardless because Trump would be far worse. But to say “Harris is listening” feels like an attempt to placate reasonable people who don’t want to support a genocide.

    • bstix@feddit.dk
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      5 months ago

      I agree that the comparison is a bit steep, but you’re the one who made it.

      Also, my point is not necessarily to just give in, but that “listening” to a request may be enough for someone to do something else than what they initially intended. Listening is far more important than obliging to any single direct action. In any dialogue or conflict, you are achieving more both by listening and by having your opponent listen, than having either part reluctantly oblige.

      • themeatbridge@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        Right, but my point is that “listening” is not action. It’s no mystery what is happening in Gaza, nor is it a complicated question as to where the current administration stands. Biden supports Netanyahu, even though Netanyahu has engaged Israel in a direct and concerted effort to eliminate all Palestinians in Israel. They are targeting civilians, they are targeting safe zones and escape routes, they are targeting hospitals and refugee camps. The Hamas attacks of Oct 7 were inexcusable acts of terrorism, but nothing justifies the retaliation of the Israeli forces.

        To say “Harris is listening” is an insult to the people who oppose genocide carried out with American support. We want peace, and we want hostages returned. We want Palestinians and Israelis to coexist without violence. And Biden doesn’t.

        I’m still going to vote for Harris, because Trump will be worse. He is a stronger ally to Netanyahu, and will provide unconditional support to whatever war crimes Israel wishes to execute. So I will vote for Harris regardless. But I do not believe it when someone says she is “listening.” She and the DNC believe they need to support Israel to win votes from single issue voters, or at least keep them home instead of voting for a guy who may not be a Nazi, but is number 1 with Nazis.

        And that’s fine with me. I understand the politics of supporting or criticizing Israel are complicated. That’s exactly why Netanyahu is engaged in his attacks right now, because he knows the US administration will not be able to pull their support right now. After the election, if Harris wins, he will suddenly become dramatically more reasonable and willing to negotiate.

        I hope that Harris wins and she uses the more pliable relationship to foster a peace that lasts.