My Dialogue with Abshalon, Part 2

March 3, 2015

Hello Avner

I did not respond immediately to your last letter because I thought to let you off for sometime.

A lot have been happening, so I think it already a proper time.

As we know, Netanyahu is supposed to speak tomorrow to Congress, so by the time you get this we shall know. I wonder what you think of this. I feel that he is trying to increase the pressure on the Obama to present a tough stand to Iran, but I do not think that  he has much chance to succeed. However I think it may be a good idea. In fact the dissatisfaction about the president actions across the board is growing, and Iran policy is just one of many, but is very important. I think that the EU countries are also very concerned, especially because having learned about the long range missiles that Iran is developing. Obama will be happy to get just a face saving decision, but he may be coming under a heavy pressure to get more. I think that he will be happy to leave this hot potato to his successor.

So what is happening in Israel about the elections? What is your impression about this? I understand that there is a lot and justified resentment about Netanyahu personal conduct. However I still think that he is locked on the Iranian issue, and he is right about this.

The economy in the US has improved, and I understand that this is mainly due to the developing oil industry. The prices of gas has increased recently, but this is mainly due to problems in the refineries in the US. This is rather a shame. So who is in fact behind all of the recent price hikes? Many people say it is a Saudi Arabia initiative. It does not make sense to me. I think that the fact that the American oil companies started to sell oil in realistic price is a main factor. What do you think?

On the light side: I read few months ago that scientist in Israel have managed to figure out the language of cows! I have been suspecting the those cows are just pretending to be standing close to each other pretending that they are just testing the grass. So now we now: they have been talking secrets all the time! However I have not heard anything since then. Is it possible that those crafty cows has realized that people are eavesdropping on them, so that they are more careful now? So what do you know about this? I have not seen any Facebook or Twitter pages in cows language. So what is happening?

I wonder how your Master in Education study is progressing? I think this is a great idea, and I think that completing this will be very rewarding and hopefully useful. I invested a whole year to get a certificate in Biotechnology. It was really very useful and interesting but I have not managed to translate it to a job. I hope it will be different for you.

So let me finish now, and I look forward to hear from you. I am not as busy as you and shall be very interested to read all that you write.

Regards

Abshalon

Apr 28, 2015

Hi Abshalon,

Yes, I'm very busy. Working and studying.

I enjoy my Masters studies very much. Not so much my work... but not complaining. Life is good, so far.

since the elections there have been more despair in the Liberal camp in Israel. I am not completely desperate, but something has changed in me. These last elections taught me (this is my opinion), that arguments cannot change the public's mind. There have been so many arguments against Netanyahu (and also, very few, in his favor). But still, he was elected.

I anticipated that we would be the next Prime Minister. But I also anticipated that the Avoda (Herzog) will join his coalition. Hasn't happened so far; I hope it it will not happen, but one can never know.

I think that now we (the Left) need to let Netanyahu rule with his most extremist allies, let then carry out their policy, and let the public judge them, based on (what I think will be the catastrophic) consequences. If I'm wrong - then everything is OK...

You know already that I don't share the same opinions with yourself about Iran and their prospect Bomb. This is OK...

In short, I think that Israel is in a slow process of suicide. So far, things look OK, especially for the upper classes in Israel (that includes myself). But this is like that man who is falling off the 80th floor, and while passing by the 40th floor he proclaims: so far, so good.

take care,

Avner

"Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn [your Ass?]" (Stephen Covey)

Cheers,
Avner E.

My Dialogue with Abshalon, Part 3

March 3, 2015

Hello Avner

I did not respond immediately to your last letter because I thought to let you off for sometime.

A lot have been happening, so I think it already a proper time.

As we know, Netanyahu is supposed to speak tomorrow to Congress, so by the time you get this we shall know. I wonder what you think of this. I feel that he is trying to increase the pressure on the Obama to present a tough stand to Iran, but I do not think that  he has much chance to succeed. However I think it may be a good idea. In fact the dissatisfaction about the president actions across the board is growing, and Iran policy is just one of many, but is very important. I think that the EU countries are also very concerned, especially because having learned about the long range missiles that Iran is developing. Obama will be happy to get just a face saving decision, but he may be coming under a heavy pressure to get more. I think that he will be happy to leave this hot potato to his successor.

So what is happening in Israel about the elections? What is your impression about this? I understand that there is a lot and justified resentment about Netanyahu personal conduct. However I still think that he is locked on the Iranian issue, and he is right about this.

The economy in the US has improved, and I understand that this is mainly due to the developing oil industry. The prices of gas has increased recently, but this is mainly due to problems in the refineries in the US. This is rather a shame. So who is in fact behind all of the recent price hikes? Many people say it is a Saudi Arabia initiative. It does not make sense to me. I think that the fact that the American oil companies started to sell oil in realistic price is a main factor. What do you think?

On the light side: I read few months ago that scientist in Israel have managed to figure out the language of cows! I have been suspecting the those cows are just pretending to be standing close to each other pretending that they are just testing the grass. So now we now: they have been talking secrets all the time! However I have not heard anything since then. Is it possible that those crafty cows has realized that people are eavesdropping on them, so that they are more careful now? So what do you know about this? I have not seen any Facebook or Twitter pages in cows language. So what is happening?

I wonder how your Master in Education study is progressing? I think this is a great idea, and I think that completing this will be very rewarding and hopefully useful. I invested a whole year to get a certificate in Biotechnology. It was really very useful and interesting but I have not managed to translate it to a job. I hope it will be different for you.

So let me finish now, and I look forward to hear from you. I am not as busy as you and shall be very interested to read all that you write.

Regards

Abshalon

Apr 28, 2015

Hi Abshalon,

Yes, I'm very busy. Working and studying.

I enjoy my Masters studies very much. Not so much my work... but not complaining. Life is good, so far.

since the elections there have been more despair in the Liberal camp in Israel. I am not completely desperate, but something has changed in me. These last elections taught me (this is my opinion), that arguments cannot change the public's mind. There have been so many arguments against Netanyahu (and also, very few, in his favor). But still, he was elected.

I anticipated that we would be the next Prime Minister. But I also anticipated that the Avoda (Herzog) will join his coalition. Hasn't happened so far; I hope it it will not happen, but one can never know.

I think that now we (the Left) need to let Netanyahu rule with his most extremist allies, let then carry out their policy, and let the public judge them, based on (what I think will be the catastrophic) consequences. If I'm wrong - then everything is OK...

You know already that I don't share the same opinions with yourself about Iran and their prospect Bomb. This is OK...

In short, I think that Israel is in a slow process of suicide. So far, things look OK, especially for the upper classes in Israel (that includes myself). But this is like that man who is falling off the 80th floor, and while passing by the 40th floor he proclaims: so far, so good.

take care,

Avner

"Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn [your Ass?]" (Stephen Covey)

Cheers,

Avner E.