6/25/2024

June 25, 2024

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            Have you heard of “spiritual athletes?” That’s what the laity think about Buddhist monks & nuns who concentrate on their quest for experiential wisdom. As a Quaker who believes we all have the capacity to seek enlightenment, I hesitate to give some people special status as spiritual experts.

            It seems that some folks in Israel feel the same way as they are withdrawing the current exemption for ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, men from military service. I have read that non-Haredi Israelis put up with their exemption because they were convinced that intense study of the Torah gave the Haredi special status. The Heredi believed that if everyone were as devout as they were divine intervention/protection would keep Israel safe.

            What do you think? Should they be forced to serve? Should anyone be forced to serve?

            You know that men in Myanmar are being forced to serve.

            When I channel my uncle & what he might say about the use of conscripts, I come to the conclusion that conscripts make lousy soldiers. They are not in it to win it, nor are they going to take initiative. They are going to run at the first possible opportunity. When an army resorts to using conscripts, they are desperate.

            Just a reminder that WINTA!

            I wish I had more time to write, but my daughter & her fiancé are here & they are just beginning to stir. They will be helping us to move so we need to get in gear.

            I hope your preparations are going well.

            BYBS,