Ben,

[In regards to your article Environmentalism = Patriotism,] I enjoyed the article and agree with most of what you wrote. I do have one point of contention with your ideas, however. While I believe it is true that Israel should be supported by the United States, I do think that both the Israelis and the Palestinian people suffer under the arrangement.

I have two questions for you and they are admittedly rhetorical: How did the modern nation of Israel come into existence and who benefits from it the most? One book that you can read that will help you figure this out is The Secret War Against the Jews, by James Loftus, another is The Sacred Executioner by Hyam Maccoby.

Just think about the long history of the Jews being used as pawns and scapegoats by those in power. In my opinion it was not for their benefit that the Jews were enticed into creating the modern nation of Israel.

Please let me know what you think about this.

Michael
USA

Hi Michael,

I agree that both the Palestinians and Israelis are suffering. However, the history of how Israel came to be- defined from any perspective- has been eclipsed by the current paradigm, and is thus irrelevant to someone in my position- serving on the front lines of American foreign policy. My concern is about the future and safety of America, and secondarily about the well being of all other peoples around the world.

Frankly, I see the only positive outcome for the US, Israelis, and Palestinians to be peace (at cost to all parties), and it's unclear to me why the US and Israelis are content with a deadly stalemate in which, as you said, both sides suffer. The Arabs in the region are looking to the US to step up and make it happen- because we are still one of the most powerful countries in the world, and because Israel's power, in many forms, comes from us. The disengagement on the Palestinian/Israeli Peace issue by our current leadership is a boon for terrorism and a self-inflicted wound that will keep bleeding.

But back to the article I wrote- I sincerely think we're halfway out of the Persian Gulf if we can create peace in Israel/Palestine. It's not going to be easy, but that's what the Dept of State gets paid for. I think...

-Ben

Writers-

I don't usually write "amen letters". They are tedious and redundant. Plus I'm not a veteran, so I don't feel qualified to comment on many of your topics. Sometimes we agree, sometimes not, but I have tremendous respect for your cogent, sincere writing.

In my opinion the media is all about whatever bloviating blowhard can make the most noise. There is no effort to achieve real solutions, everyone just runs their mouth, points fingers, does nothing. I applaud your efforts to say something intelligent and nuanced about the armed forces, foreign policy, and the war(s).

I'm a regular visitor and my only suggestion is that you might as well make a few $$ from your work. It could be argued that it would influence your commentary, but I think that's nonsense.

This is my last correspondence until I have something salient to add to your work. Until then, I'll be reading. Keep it up.

Case
Orange County, CA

Case,

Thanks for the thoughtful feedback and for the suggestion.

In response to your first comment- before I joined the military, I had the same feeling of being unqualified to pass judgment on policy and war. But looking back on it, I'd say today that every informed American is qualified to comment on these issues and in fact, should share their opinions with their countrymen and delegates in DC. This is the participatory element that seems to be missing in our democracy, partially, I submit, because we citizens have allowed our politicians to break it (the democracy).

I have considered using the site to make money for veterans' aid organizations. But because so many media channels have devolved into biased profit generators, once you bring money into a magazine like this, credibility deteriorates while the number of skeptics increases exponentially. Admittedly, I'm one of those skeptics. 2 Dinar will remain a staff-funded project with a negative cash flow to preserve our impartiality.

-Ben

I know that there are a few guys contributing to your site, and just wanted to let you all know that a few people are paying attention. Thanks for your service and for the forum that you're providing.

Alec
Santa Cruz, CA

Alec,

Thanks a lot for the note. I started this project hoping to reach at least one person. I'm glad to see we're reaching a few, and hopefully soon a few more.

-Ben

Just wanted to let you guys know that I think you are running an excellent website. I think that all of the articles are written exceptionally well, and contain a whiff of urgency and insight that is seriously lacking in American Politics. I am trying to circulate your website and articles on some of the sports blogs, friends emails, MySpace, and so on. I'm trying to help you get some exposure although I'm sure my meager efforts aren't doing much, but I hope every little bit counts. Your voices are truly the ones that matter right now, and I really hope that people begin to realize what really matters in the country.

John
Chicago, IL

John,

Thanks for the feedback and for circulating the link. We're glad you are getting something out of the site and appreciate your efforts to share it with others. We've gotten every reader we have through the same grass-roots distribution you're doing.

-Ben