August 9, 2006

Editor, jewishsightseeing

I reviewed this same book, published elsewhere.

Your interesting sensitivity at finding 'a Jewish story everywhere' is magically amazing.  While the Soledad cross is a not a Jewish issue per se, the ill logic (yes one word I know) that permits some in Alice in Wonderland fashion to turn things topsy turvey has been the same distorted
thinking that is being used to report the Israeli-Hezbollah war. As a distressing example, the news reports from CNN and BBC which televised in Stockholm during our recent trip.  Speakers at the UN, too,  are masters of doublespeak.  And now, we have our Congress and our President doing likewise.

Lamentations aside, what is to be done?  My remedy: "education".  More important than teaching dates i.e. Columbus' voyages, is helping children discern how to think rationally; to be able to critically analyze  what the media, advertisers, promoters etc. want the reader/viewer to believe.
Sherlock Holmes the master of ratiocination is a good model.  Alas it is far from elementary my Dear Harrison.

P.S.   necromancy (NEK-ruh-man-see) noun

   1. Divination by trying to communicate with the spirits of the dead.

   2. Magic; sorcery; witchcraft.

[From Greek nekros (corpse) + -mancy (divination). Ultimately from Indo-European root nek- (death) that's also the source of nuisance, obnoxious, pernicious, innocent, innocuous, nectar, and nectarine.]

Before the word arrived in its current form, it was known as nigromantia in medieval Latin, from confusion of Greek nekro with Latin niger (black). Now you know why magic and sorcery are also known as the "black arts".

—Joel A. Moskowitz, M.D., La Jolla, Calif.

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August 8, 2006

Editor, jewishsightseeing

It appears as though a new ceasefire script is being put together by Kofi Annan, Mel Gibson and Iran ’s  President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. They have taken an old tried and true workable story and will suggest new players but the goal is still the same as of old.  The above producers are well credentialed for the destruction of Israel . Kofi had saved Saddam Hussein from a possible attack by Bill Clinton, he had looked the other way after declaring genocide in Darfur and assisted in the rape of funds which were plied away from the plan to provide food for Iraqi children by closing his eyes as these funds were pocketed by cronies. The next two producers are well known for their belief that Israel is the cause of the world’s troubles and should be eliminated.

Their original redesign of the ancient story of the wooden horse being taken into Troy will show in all the glorious details the clandestine initiation of all Hezbollah terrorists into the Lebanese army , with their new uniforms including face masks and holding on to their store of weapons and rockets which will be allowed to remain in place as  Lebanese’s military  issue.. Israel prodded by Condi Rice, into thinking that the Lebanese have turned over a new leaf, will joyously accept these new elements of bringing stability to the northern border of Israel, so the Israelis can go back to their farms and factories knowing that they have been saved by the producers Kofi, Gibson and Ahmadinejad. 

Hopefully this plot will be uncovered as Israel realizes that the government of Lebanon all along has been in total compliance in its help of Syria and Iranian designs to eliminate Israel . It has allowed its border to be open as all weapons of war have passed through to the Hez in the south. The Lebanese have fooled the west long enough and the current government is not to be trusted. Israel is well acquainted with the background of Annan, Gibson and outspoken Ahmadinejad so hopefully the Bush team will be alerted to this sham ploy being staged in the UN. If this production goes forward Israel will be at heightened risk of survival. Speak out America , the Islamic foes are at the gates not only of Jerusalem but also at Washington and New York .

Norman Mann, D.DS, San Diego, California

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August 7, 2006

Editor, jewishsightseeing

I think that your story reflects very much the actual situation, and brings in a balanced perspective.

—Rabbi Arnold Kopikis, San Diego, California

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August 7, 2006

Editor, jewishsightseeing

I enjoyed your column.  Looks like you had fun Googling those Biblical names.

—David Marshall, Member, Historical Resources Board, City of San Diego.

Editor's response:  Fun, yes, but it was from reading map indexes rather than Google.