The Aug. 9 editorial addressed the issue of Palestine's problems in light of cultural issues.
While traveling abroad, I read an opinion piece that shed another light on the issue. It pointed out that Palestinians are living in an occupied land, with draconian restrictions on travel, movements of goods, etc.
Surely that must make a huge difference. There have been times in history when Jews were not doing so well - forced to live in ghettos, not permitted to own property, banned from some professions, etc.
It can be comforting to criticize other cultures, with the implied belief that our culture immunizes us from such problems. Alas, I'm afraid that is false comfort.
There are many aspects of our culture that could bear a critical view. Unfortunately, it's hard to criticize one's own culture with risk of being ostracized.
Mitch Bradley
Makawao
