Jeroen wrote: ************* Nope, there is no "translation". I *do* have that exam on Monday, and I *will* be spending a lot of my time till then studying for it.
But since you seem to be convinced I am lying, I will give you the opportunity to check my story (and apologise afterwards). ************* Very well - I apologize for implying that you were lying about needing to study for an exam. I will rephrase my statement accordingly: I believe that, rather than admit that you had an improper understanding of English language usage of the term "anti-Semite", as defined by the OED (among other reputable academic sources), you have apparently decided to use your need to study for an important exam as a pretext for halting your participation in this discussion of the meaning and origins of the term "anti-Semite", with the primary intent of avoiding having to admit to an incorrect (although understandable, for someone for whom English is not a native language) understanding of the meaning of the term. Clear as mud, right? Regarding this discussion, I hope you will understand that I do not consider you an anti-Semite (by either the proper definition OR your own interpretation of the term based upon its individual components). I have, to the best of my knowledge, never called you an anti-Semite. I do think, however, that your conduct in this discussion is indicative of a problem we've frequently seen in this discussion group over the years - both from you and others in the past. There is no shame in saying, "I was wrong in my understanding of 'X'." The shame is in insisting, despite all evidence to the contrary, that your erroneous position is the correct one. I'm not talking about matters of taste, here - I think "Buffy: the Vampire Slayer" is one of the best shows on television in the US, but I don't think those who don't enjoy it are *wrong*. I'm talking about things in the realm of fact - mathematics and language, science and history. Going forward, I think that if someone on this list uses the term "anti-Semite", we can all accept that they are referring to someone that bears a personal dislike of Jews as a religious and/or ethnic group. I hope that the term won't be used to refer to other list members, but if it is, we can all be sure that if listmember A calls listmember B an anti-Semite, what they're saying (to strip the shreds of politeness from the term "anti-Semite") is "Jew-hater". Are you willing to accept that the definition of "anti-Semite" in common usage and general understanding is "Jew-hater"? Allow me to restate: I don't think you're a Jew-hater. I think you have a different position on the Middle Eastern conflict than I do, and you have placed yourself firmly on the side of the Palestinian people, focusing upon the wrongs (real and perceived) that they experience at the hands of the Israelis. I, OTOH, tend to (in general) support the basics of the Israeli position. We can discuss that as reasonable adults, as long as all participants are willing to say to ourselves and others, "I may be wrong - let's talk about it". Adam C. Lipscomb [EMAIL PROTECTED] Trying to be a reasonable person Maru __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC & Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
