[VRM]

Roscoe,
I was wondering when someone would use the Bible as a reference. Show me where in the Bible it mentions anything specific about who owns what bit of land (i'd even be willing to spot you a temple ot two). Now trace it down through 2000 years and tell me specifically who should get it.
Tracing Aztec land would be about as simple. The Bible is NOT a deed. It is, at best, an loosly organised history of a rather large area. You would probably have better luck tracing ownership through Roman records.

Bernie,
The Haganah predates the Arab riots of 1929. Get your dates straight.
The Arabs are doing exactly what you or I would do in the face of overwhelming firepower; they would fight back in the manner that they are able in order to protect what they think is theirs. There is no distortion of history from my end - I do look at the entire picture that you are not seeing because you only listen to the Israeli propaganda. Both sides have extensive propaganda - but the Israeli version is much more effective in the US. Do you ever wonder why Israel has one of the most powerful lobby groups in the US? The Arabs were there for nearly 2000 years. The Arabs have a longer and more recent claim to the land. Displacing them would cause more problems (and it has) than it is worth.

Your defense of the Israelis is a direct contradiction to the values of American property rights. The Jews could not hold on to their land 2000 years ago (like the Navaho 100 years ago). There is nothing that gives them the right to have it back at someone elses expense now. Still, given the persecution that they have endured, it would make sense to find them some land that they would have ultimate control of. But if you think that giving them land that belongs to someone else is a good idea then you are an idiot. What do you think those people on that land are going to do? They are NOT going to think it is a good idea, and most people will fight for it. Mike indicated that he would fight for what is his - I know I would - I suspect that you would as well. Land is life in many cultures - why would the Arabs be any different?

As far as me being anti-Semitic - As I told Evan a year or so ago, let me tell you exactly where I stand on that before you continue to make an ass of yourself with unfounded accusations; I dated a Jewish woman for 3 years, and might have married her had her parents not been upset that I was goy. Look up the definition - there are a variety of different meanings - some are not complimentary, and can often be interpreted as very racist. One of my best friends (and also the guy who officiated at the wedding ceremony for me and my wife) is Jewish. We have also participated in Hanukkah celebrations with them and their daughters (who we are god-parents to...go figure...). My best friend of the last 20 years is also Jewish, though non-practising. I could go on for another 5 or 6 people in my immediate circle, but I won't bore you with that.

You consider me potentially anti-Semitic because you are unable to separate being Jewish from the state of Israel. I would defend any of their religious beliefs with my life, but I will not defend the State of Israel with even a fingernail.

BTW, I suggest you read the Seven Pillars of Wisdom. It's a lot to chew on, but it is worth it.

Steve