Passionate ignorance

As I attended my grandson’s graduation from Harvard, I was amazed.  As some of the pious protesters dramatically stormed out of graduation carrying placards reading “from the river to the sea,” I asked one of them the name of the river and the sea.  His angry answer, I kid you not, was: “I don’t know. What difference does it make?”

Remember, these are Harvard graduates, our best and brightest.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, sums up the problem with today’s world.  Passion coupled with ignorance is dangerous.  If it wasn’t so sad, it would be comical.

Few know, or care, that Israel is the only democracy in the region.  Though they call it a “Zionist empire,” few know, or care, it is the size of New Jersey.  Some empire.

Few know, or care, there are 57 Muslim majority nations on the planet all ranking far below Israel on human rights scales, but just one sliver-sized Jewish state.  Few know, or care, that with a 3,000 year continuous presence, the Jews are the native Americans of Israel.

Few know or care that since inception Israel has been for a two-state solution, while most Palestinians have rejected Israel. The issue for most is not where to draw Israel’s borders but that it has the audacity to have any borders and that it exists in any form.  Few know or care that Hamas is not interested in creating a state, but only in destroying one.

But why let facts get in the way of a good, woke narrative.  As an old hippie who marched for civil rights in the 1960’s, I was both saddened and disgusted by the false parallels comparing today’s protesters to my generation.

Jean DuBois

Malden

Safe boating

As temperatures heat up, now is the time for Boston families to have important conversations about boating safety. Not only is drowning a leading cause of death for children, but issues like boating under the influence and operator inattention take hundreds of lives each year. Boating safety is the key to making fun memories out on the water.

National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24, launches the perfect time for Boston residents to become familiar with the following tips:

Always Wear a Life Jacket, No Matter Your Age: According to recent USCG statistics, 85% of people who died in a boating incident drowned because they weren’t wearing a life jacket. If you need to borrow a life jacket, check out the Life Jacket Loaner Stand nearest to you.

Be or Designate a Sober Skipper: Alcohol is the leading cause of all boating accidents and deaths. Boating Under the Influence is illegal in every state including Massachusetts, and it is also 100% preventable. Always be or designate a Sober Skipper to be in charge of the safe operation of the boat and its passengers.

Know Your Waterways: Before heading out on the water, take the time to understand the local waterways, navigation rules and no wake zones, and pay special attention to potential hazards such as shallow areas, rocks or submerged obstacles.

Gail R. Kulp, Sea Tow Foundation

Captain Ethan Maas, Sea Tow South Shore