Will this increase or decrease the likelihood of terrorist actions in America, Europe and the rest of the world?

If you were a member of a family murdered in this conflict, would you be seeking revenge?

Should Tzipi Livni and Ehud Olmert, be tried for war crimes if or when this conflict comes to an end?

What will the price of oil be in 4 weeks time?

Absolutely. But you're looking at it from the outside. If you've been taught to hate a type of people from the cradle how are you going to be persuaded otherwise when those people are firing rockets at you? The same argument applies to both sides of course.

One of the questions posed in Post Number One was: If you were a member of a family murdered in this conflict, would you be seeking revenge?

I am suggesting that human nature says 'Yes' because (as I said in an earlier post) reason goes out of the window in certain circumstances.

PS. I never suggested that wearing special clothes justifies anyone wanting to take action against you. I am suggesting that where a prejudice already exists, doing anything that aligns yourself with the 'enemy' is only going to exacerbate that.

Back to topic.

12 mortars and 6 rockets have hit israeli towns, cities and farms since last Friday. The numbers look to be well down on those prior to operation cast lead.

I am not sure which is the worst.

Preventing a person wearing the symbols (clothes) of their culture or religion or not preventing it.

I suppose it is basically what the intent of the action is.

It would seem a reasonable action for and Christian priest, a Russian Orthodox priest or a Rabbi to wear their cassocks, head ware etc. if entering a Mosque with the Mullah of that community in a state.
Especially so, if they are holding a peaceful discussion with one another. (Some religious buildings have usage by more than one faith).

For me, at the present moment, it would seem daft for a Rabbi, standing out in the symbols of his religion, to enter a Mosque in Gaza, and equally daft for an Moslem Mullah to force his way into a Synagogue in Israel, or even in some parts of this country. Of course, if they were there by invitation and mutual peaceful consent, that is a different matter.

In a sensible society, one would think that it would be acceptable for anybody to wear whatever one wished. Personally, I dont like symbolism and think sometimes it as primitive and unnecessary, (my wife disagrees with me). I see the use of it, by religious groups, as evangelical. I think they have perfect right to do so if they wish.

But would you be happy with a group of young men dressed in Nazi uniforms and Swastikas parading down the street or even going to a fancy dress party. (Attila the Hun is OK though.)

We live in a funny old world.

I wonder, if my young grandchildren were in trouble, would they be hesitant before asking for help from somebody, in what they would describe as funny costumes. I guess so, but I dont know. Might ask them to do so, if the opportunity arises, when we are out together.

The 'traditional jewish clothes' are not really traditional anyway. The clothes are from the middle ages,

Haystack ..... you're right, but i think your historical timing is wrong.

Maggot ..... it seems to me that you are saying much along the same lines as the defense that because a young girl wears a short skirt she is asking to be raped

Well said, cynic.

Yeah and this is post 1066 - reminds me those bloody Normans invaded us pure white Anglo-Saxon nation and destroyed us heritage with their bloody Frog crap.
We should hunt them down and throw them out - if they're lucky. Cunning bastards - THEY DRESS LIKE US TO TRY AND BLEND IN SO WE DON'T SEE THEY ARE ALIENS.

Warra bout those bloody prancing poofters in their skirts and weirdo uniforms with flower bowls on their heads. Makes you wanna smash 'em up, no warra mean. They just bug us normal people - think they are frackin' different, special huh. And they wonder why we wanna kick their frackin heads in. Yeah they make my blood boil - I see them - I see a red mist. Kill Kill Kill they deserve it. Frackin' Morris dancers.

OK I resign. I can only repeat my line:

PS. I never suggested that wearing special clothes justifies anyone wanting to take action against you. I am suggesting that where a prejudice already exists, doing anything that aligns yourself with the 'enemy' is only going to exacerbate that.

Don't you dare resign, Maggot.
Please :)

Oh, 'allo, Choccie, fancy seeing you here. I agree with you -- Maggot, you're in this, so stay in!

Maggot - you may just have to resign yourself to being a politician - lol!

to remind one and all, including myself, you actually wrote, "it's my belief that practicing Jews wear clothing that deliberately distinguishes them - as opposed to, say, practicing Christians who don't, so far as I know."

as i read that, though as a politician you would probably say, "oh that is out of context and should not be interpreted that way", you are more than implying that such jews set themselves up as targets and/or martyrs, just as in the analogy i used above about nubile young girls in short skirts

i am just a doddery old fart, so perhaps lack your inestimable skills of presentation and understanding!!

Oh I agree with cynic on the first bit of the last bit :)

that'll do for starters!

Cynic, I was having difficulty forming a picture of you. Your self portrayal has been very helpful. 8-)

being a jew, i have inherited self-deprecating genes ..... no silly scatalogical responses please!

Well they must have fallen to bits by now ;)

clearly not! ..... ancient as i may be, i have all my own parts - follicles excluded! - that are in excellent working order

Are you sure?

test them out regularly

what, test them with a view to using them.....or actually use them? :)

unlike CRA, my parts do not have problems that would differentiate between one and the other ..... choccie might deem it unseemly to be be more specific!