✡| Q&A with Bubbe [IC]

[Shtet]

Bubbe

Oh, hello, my beautiful darlings! You have no idea how overjoyed I am to have you visit me here. My grandson has set up this little blog-page for me - he thinks it will help me get in touch with all the gorgeous children of the world. Now, forgive me, but I need to take some time to work out how... well, heh, you know how I am with these fancy computers.

This is a Questions And Answers thread with Bubbe Weil, your friendly Yiddish grandmama. All the strange and wonderful inquires of your journalists, foreign press secretaries, national leadership, and everyday citizens are welcomed here, and will be answered (in-character) by Bubbe herself.

[Empirical Switzerland]

"Hello Madam, may I inquire, what are your views on abortion?"

[Shtet]

Oh, dearest, please. There is no need for any of these "madam" formalities! I'm just a bubbeh, no matter what the Foreign Office says about "professional titles" and "dutiful respect." Between you and me, I think they're just really, really up themselves. But shhh, don't tell them I said that! I have to meet with the Minister once a week, and that man is as phlegmatic as a wooden cabinet.

Oh, anyway. Let me answer your question. I've always been of the opinion that a body is a temple, and that all life is precious. So, in that way, I'm what I'd call "pro-life" - I will always defend life, wherever I encounter it, and to whomever it belongs.

Thing with most people who call themselves "pro-life", is that they don't really seem to me to be so "pro-life" after all. How does it make sense to call yourself "pro-life" when so often, they condemn both the life of the mother and the unborn? To me, it seems, that to be "pro-life" means the same as "pro-choice." What good is a life, if you're a slave, if you're unhappy, if you're unprepared and unfulfilled?

I take it you're a Christian, yes? That's quite alright, don't worry. I don't have many problems with Christians, and I think Jesus was a very good man indeed. Perhaps even one of our best! But, too often do Christians - and, don't get me wrong, my fellow Jews do the same, although not as much, it seems - too often do Christians invoke the Biblical verses to deny a woman's absolute right to her body. I'm not sure entirely sure why this is such a Christian thing to do, since we're supposed to be reading the same book, but, I'm not an expert. I only know what I know.

You see, dearest, the Torah doesn't really consider a fetus to be a full life, and my faith doesn't condemn abortion at all - not that it exactly condones or encourages it, either. In Leviticus, it quite clearly says that the fetus is not yet a human - it's a sort of Schroedinger's human, if you will, heh - and so, it's not homocide. Shiva is also not performed if a fetus dies in the womb, or turns out to be stillborn, for much the same reason.

The Talmud says that for the first trimester, the fetus is nothing but some fluids. The Mishnah teaches that an adult's woman must be protected at all costs, and says that abortion is permitted if it saves the mother's life - I personally believe mental wellbeing to count under this permission, but many don't, and I can understand why. That's a sort of "therapeutic abortion."

On a much darker side, the Torah says that, if a pregnant woman is to be killed, for whatever reason, she should be executed before she gives birth - the Bible treats, then, the fetus as almost a stillborn already. It's a sad verse, and one I do not believe in at all, but, it would be silly of us to ignore it.

I shouldn't leave you off on such a sad note. Well, I believe life is precious, and I believe we should absolutely care for any life - human, animal, plant, absolutely all of it! After all, Adonai had made us all, don't you agree?

[Empirical Switzerland]

"Indeed he did, thank you for sharing your opinions, bubbeh. You truly are a great and nice woman."

[New Goldman]

Hello Madame! You may recognize us as one of the nations who sent a delegation to the nation of Sanghyeok for the Chairwoman's birthday. We're here to ask of your opinions on Armed Forces spending. Do you recommend huge funds for the army? Or remain cautious and upgrade slowly but surely?

[Kyoki Chudoku]

“I understand you’re one to dispense with the pleasantries. So I’m warning you now, I’m going to be blunt in my questions. Let’s start, shall we?

1. What is your perspective on organised religion in general? I’m trying very hard not to make this statement too accusatory, but in my experience these things have led to fanaticism, division, and massacres. I’m assuming your views are different.

2. Apparently you’re part of a...Bundist movement. Not term I’ve heard before. What exactly would you describe as the core ideals of such a movement- and in turn, your own core ideals?

3. You say you’ve known suffering as a course to kind of beauty- that struggle and loss can lead to compassion and gentleness. My experience with struggle and loss hasn’t quite had the same outcome, I think. What’s your reasoning for believing in this kind of statement? Is it an appeal to national unity, given your historically unfortunate circumstances?

4. You are anti-war- apparently, anyway. At what point do you personally think war is justified? Self-defence alone? Against what you consider atrocities? And in the event that such atrocities are aimed in your direction, what exactly are you capable of doing about it?

I did warn you I was going to be blunt.”

-Aozora Chiyumi, Supreme Overlady of All Reality

[Shtet]

Hello Madame! You may recognize us as one of the nations who sent a delegation to the nation of Sanghyeok for the Chairwoman's birthday. We're here to ask of your opinions on Armed Forces spending. Do you recommend huge funds for the army? Or remain cautious and upgrade slowly but surely?

Ah, yes, I do remember you, my sweet child. I believe I saw you around the hotel lobby, if memory serves me right. I'm certain we'll have more occasions to speak soon, so I'll simply get to the point.

I would say that an army's role is to defend the nation's borders, and that leads me to believe that a defence force is all that is necessary and justifiable. I always worry whenever I hear that one of our neighbours has decided to increase military spending, especially when they intend to use these new soldiers and weapons to go to war in far-off lands - I think it's a very slippery slope indeed.

Shtet has never had a tremendously big military, out of a desire, I believe, to avoid the horrors of war which people like my father and mother had to experience. We should work to need fewer guns, tanks, bombers and UAVs, and I see how creating yet another military-industrial complex helps us achieve that. Evil has been fuelled by these measures - how can we call ourselves Good if we do exactly the same?
From what I know, our military spending never went over 3% of our budget. Even with out rather tumoulous past, especially during the 50s and 60s, we've always managed just fine. We've even fought off Khrushchev's possee! You don't need the newest and biggest guns - all you need are clever men and women to hold and command said guns.

[Shtet]

“I understand you’re one to dispense with the pleasantries. So I’m warning you now, I’m going to be blunt in my questions. Let’s start, shall we?

1. What is your perspective on organised religion in general? I’m trying very hard not to make this statement too accusatory, but in my experience these things have led to fanaticism, division, and massacres. I’m assuming your views are different.

And what a start indeed!

It is quite alright - I understand where you are coming from. Indeed, as a young woman, I held much the same position - something my colleagues from the opposite side of the aisle used to love to berate me for. I think it's important to note that; it's important to remember that people have, yes, killed and shamed in the name of their faith. We Jews are quitle familiar with that, and we, ourselves, aren't exactly innocent of such sins, either.

But I think it's as important to note something else: that people have killed in the name of many things, on behalf of many people. People have killed in the name of religion, yes, but they have killed in the name of the Crown, the nation, the people, the workers, and so many, many more. People have killed out of fear, out of their ideals throughout all of history, and will probably kill for as long as we all exist. It's something I fear we won't ever get past.

Despite this, it's important to recognise the good things all of these names have done. Just as religion led Isaac to attack Jericho, so too it inspired artists to create, brought families and neighbours together, created beautiful civilisations and wonders that humans would have never come to without their religious muses.

I think rather than take issue with these things, we should take issue with violence and hatred itself - at the end of the day, that is what we have a problem with here, no?

2. Apparently you’re part of a...Bundist movement. Not term I’ve heard before. What exactly would you describe as the core ideals of such a movement- and in turn, your own core ideals?

Yes, indeed, I'm a card-carrying Bundist, and have been one since a very young age indeed. I believe I was but 16 when I first signed up with the Bund, all the way back in 1948. I must say, I've never regretted that decision.

We Bundists are quite a special bunch, if you don't mind me saying so. It was born out of our struggles in the diaspora, when everyone hated us everywhere. It became quite obvious that we needed a home - problem was, we couldn't really agree where our home was. At the end of the war, we agreed it was right where we stood: as the old hymn says, "We are here!"
I'd call Bundism a socialist ideal, one based on community, culture, and a oneness of a diverse people. It's very 'Jewish' in thought, as you might imagine, haha.

You'll think I'm a very sappy lady, but I'd say my core ideal is love. All good things come from love: love for humans, love for nature, love for life, love for yourself. I try to love as much as I can.

3. You say you’ve known suffering as a course to kind of beauty- that struggle and loss can lead to compassion and gentleness. My experience with struggle and loss hasn’t quite had the same outcome, I think. What’s your reasoning for believing in this kind of statement? Is it an appeal to national unity, given your historically unfortunate circumstances?

First, I'd like to express my condolences for your loss. Many of us struggle and continue to struggle, and we all know loss, will know loss. It's a sad truth, indeed.

I like to think that pain can make people compassionate. That's not to say that we should put people through Hell - of course not! But, in my many years on this Earth, I've met many people who have lost everything. They've known loss to the fullest, and every single one of those souls came out with a bigger heart than ever. These are the people who have built my country, after all.

It's my call for national unity as much as it is a call for unity in all things. As I've told you, I believe love is the most important thing in life. I think, when people experience pain, they tend to love more - that is, if, sadly, their love hadn't been replaced with anger. I think people tend to love more, because we know what it's like to feel unlove, what it's like to exist in a world where all you've known from others is hate. I think people like that tend to love enough that they wish for no one else to experience that. I think they tend to work for a better world, where people don't have to experience that sort of unlove.

I don't know if we'll ever build a world without unlove; I don't think that should stop us from loving.

4. You are anti-war- apparently, anyway. At what point do you personally think war is justified? Self-defence alone? Against what you consider atrocities? And in the event that such atrocities are aimed in your direction, what exactly are you capable of doing about it?

Oh, dearest, do I sense a little cynicism? It is quite alright - I'm not offended. You've led a full life before this moment, and your life has left you a bit cynical. I don't blame you, as many nights I've spent cynical, as well. There are many reasons to be cynical in this life.

As a young lady, I used to call myself a pacifist, against all violence. Over the years, perhaps out of the same cynicism you feel, I've gotten a bit more... well, perhaps 'moderate' is not the word. Pragmatic, maybe.

I believe it's our duty to defend ourselves, just as much as it is our duty to defend others. I've defended many people in my days, and I had to defend myself just as many times. I am anti-war, that is quite right. I don't believe in violent intervention, but I do believe it is our duty to defend those who are being harmed, wherever they may be.

Have you heard of Shtet's selective participation? If not, that's alright. I'll explain it here. It's quite a recent policy, a compromise between this duty and our national anti-war attitude. We've sent our brave men and women to many places, with only the means to defend themselves and defend those being hurt there. I don't like to think of ourselves as warmongering interventionists, like my foreign comrades over in, say, the United States or Great Britain, for example. We never went to war, but we've sent out plenty of peacekeeping operations to war zones.

As I've told our friend, the Shtetan Defence Forces are just that - a defence forces. They've defended us against one of the biggest empires in Europe's history when we needed them to defend us indeed. Since then, we've defended ourselves not with bullets, but words. A policy of love, if you will forgive my sentimentality.

I did warn you I was going to be blunt.”

-Aozora Chiyumi, Supreme Overlady of All Reality

Oh, and blunt you were!

I only hope I answered your questions to your satisfaction. I'm always very happy to see people like you here. Your company is most enjoyable, I must say.

[Eastern Fardelshufflestein]

"Good morning, ma'am! You have seen a lot of technological changes around the world in your lifetime. What do you think about technological development? Do you think it is good for the world, or bad?"

[Mizialand]

Hello Mrs. Bubbe! First of all, thank you for this initiative and taking time to answer our questions.

Question 1: It is sometimes argued that curbing Nazi ideology is akin to curbing free speech. Where do you draw a line between what is free speech and hate speech? Should hate speech be included under the 'right to free speech'?

Question 2: We notice that you have introduced additional gun control laws. Do these have adequate safeguard for those owing guns merely for self defence?

Question 3: What is your opinion on the Kingdom of Mizialand? Would you like to participate in our Ask Me Anything initiative and would you like to expand the diplomatic ties between our nations?

[Shtet]

"Good morning, ma'am! You have seen a lot of technological changes around the world in your lifetime. What do you think about technological development? Do you think it is good for the world, or bad?"

Good morning, indeed! I hope you're having just as good of a day as I am - we've baked some very nice challah early this morning, and it came out wonderfully.

As for your question, I think it's very interesting. It reminds me of what my grandson often speaks about.

I think, that technology as a whole is a very neutral thing. Like anything people make, it matters less what the technology is - or can even do, really - and more about how people end up using it. Dynamite was invented by Nobel in order to help in mining and construction so that their job is safer and more efficient. But as he saw in his own life, it was used to kill people in war, as well.

Forgive me for my answer being so brief.

[Shtet]

Hello Mrs. Bubbe! First of all, thank you for this initiative and taking time to answer our questions.

Hello my darling!

Oh, please, I do this out of love. It is quite a good way to spend my time, I would say.

Question 1: It is sometimes argued that curbing Nazi ideology is akin to curbing free speech. Where do you draw a line between what is free speech and hate speech? Should hate speech be included under the 'right to free speech'?

I would disagree that it is curbing free speech. Just as I disagree that curbing murderers from killing is an infringement on their freedoms. In the strictest sense, yes, I suppose I am forcing someone to not do something - but that's a very contextless perspective, in my view.

I think, broadly speaking, hate speech is any speech which promotes violence and discrimination, especially in a very disparagining manner, on the basis of an inherent quality of somebody - so things like gender, sexuality, the colour of their skin, or even mental and physical disabilities.

And no - hate speech is not free speech, the same way stalking isn't 'free movement'. You're infringing on somebody's else's human rights, and that's when you lose your own rights. When you disrespect the rights of others, you shouldn't expect others to respect your rights. I don't see this as a debatable topic, because we've seen what happens when a peoples right to exist is put on the table.

Question 2: We notice that you have introduced additional gun control laws. Do these have adequate safeguard for those owing guns merely for self defence?

Ah, yes. You must be referring to my Government's decisions to introduce a few key restrictions on gun ownership following the massacre in Plauen just two years back. What a tragedy, awful tragedy that was. Senseless murder of innocents, committed by a hateful man in the name of a hateful ideology.

To put it briefly - yes. Shtet has not banned regular citizens from being able to get guns. Walk down any road in Shtet, and you'll see plenty of rifles, handguns, and so on. My Government's legislation stops people from gaining access to weapons that belong only - and even then, I'd prefer they don't - on the battlefield: the amendment was nothing more radical or extreme than banning civilian ownership of tanks and bazookas.

Question 3: What is your opinion on the Kingdom of Mizialand? Would you like to participate in our Ask Me Anything initiative and would you like to expand the diplomatic ties between our nations?

Oh, how very interesting. Yes - I believe I would like that. I'll have Rivkah send out the notices very soon. As for your 'AMA' - that's what kids call those now, isn't that right? - I will be sure to send you a question should one ever pop into my head.

[Empirical Switzerland]

"Hello again Bubbe! It is a pleasure to see you! Now, onto a few questions I have..."

"What are your views on socialism and/or communism? Also, what about gun control?"

"Sorry for the controversial topics bubbe, but I was just being curious!"

[Platinia]

"Greetings, Lady Bubbe,

First off, I do hope that my appearance does not startle you. I understand that my kind is completely unknown to that which live in your world.

Anyway, on to my first question. I have noticed that you have a lot of cultural and environmental value in your nation, yet there is little that is mentioned in regards to tourism. So I would like to ask, is tourism considered a strong industry in your nation, and if so, what areas do you feel you specialise most in for those who wish to visit and experience your culture?

My second question would be in relation to your very stringent environmental protections. As I am one who has a strong love for nature and wildlife, I am curious to know your views on such. how far do you take animal rights in general, and do you treat the wildlife with equal care to that of a human life?

Thank you very much for your time to answering these."

- Exarch Sera

[Voxija]

"It is nice to be talking with you Bubbe. I'll say, you somehow remind me of my beloved grandmother, who alas died when I was very young. Thank you and your country for letting Voxija set up an embassy, and I commend your people for standing up to everything history's thrown at them.

Now for the questions? What is your opinion on the LGBTQ+, gender and sexual minorities in general, and the issues facing those people groups today? Do you write poetry? And how do you feel about Voxijan culture and tradition in general?

I'm sorry that those are all the questions I can think of. I'll probably come back and ask you some more."

- President Etor Gurraniz

[Treciene]

“Hello Bubbe, What was your first Hanukkah Gift?”
-Priestan III

[Shtet]

"Hello again Bubbe! It is a pleasure to see you! Now, onto a few questions I have..."

Shalom once more! Thank you for visiting me again, dear.

"What are your views on socialism and/or communism?

We Jews have a very complicated history with Communism. On one hand, I cannot ignore the evil done in its name, the injustices and murder committed by those who call themselves communists. On the other, I also cannot ignore the good it achieved, and even more personally, the good it did for Shtet itself.

Shtet has always been socialist, although I know many people who would disagree with that. But we have always had a socialist culture, and socialism has always played an important role in the way we live here.

Also, what about gun control?"

Like with many things in life, gun control is good in moderation. Although I would much prefer if we all lived in a world where guns, and weapons, and violence didn't exist, I'm not blind to the realities people face. People should have a right to defend themselves, and I'm not going to infringe upon that. Some gun control is necessary for much the same reason, however - the Plauen Festival was full of people with weapons, yes, but still the massacre happened, all because we didn't think to regulate weapons that are not made for defence, but for killing.

"Sorry for the controversial topics bubbe, but I was just being curious!"

Oh, it is quite alright. There's nothing wrong with curiosity!

[Empirical Switzerland]

Thank you Bubbe!

[Shtet]

"Greetings, Lady Bubbe,

First off, I do hope that my appearance does not startle you. I understand that my kind is completely unknown to that which live in your world.

Hello indeed!

Oh, no, not at all! You're very adorable, really, if you don't me saying so.

Anyway, on to my first question. I have noticed that you have a lot of cultural and environmental value in your nation, yet there is little that is mentioned in regards to tourism. So I would like to ask, is tourism considered a strong industry in your nation, and if so, what areas do you feel you specialise most in for those who wish to visit and experience your culture?

I imagine it could very well be a strong industry if we wished it to be, but as things are right now, it isn't. Tourism, as it turns out, is a very environmentally unsustainable thing. I believe last year, before the pandemic, we only issued a few thousand tourism visas.

There are people who urge us to increase tourism, of course, but I don't believe it would be the right thing for Shtet; I doubt many Shtetans wish for that to happen, either.

My second question would be in relation to your very stringent environmental protections. As I am one who has a strong love for nature and wildlife, I am curious to know your views on such. how far do you take animal rights in general, and do you treat the wildlife with equal care to that of a human life?

Oh, I believe nature to be just the most beautiful thing in life.

I've always fought for animal rights. I fight against oppression, and I believe, in many ways, the way we treat animals is a reflection of how we treat ourselves and our fellow men. I don't see how we can achieve a just, equal, and compassionate society without addressing the injustices and abuse we do to animals. My faith compels me to love all life, and the Jewish State has likewise always preached that we can't be cruel to our animals.

I'm personally a vegetarian, and Esther herself is currently urging us to become vegan, as well. Although, if we're quite honest, I can't give up gefilte fish - although, I also can't give up my Government's fight to make gefilte fish taste that much better by removing the unethical murder from it. Hehe, hehe.

Thank you very much for your time to answering these."

- Exarch Sera

Oh, please, it was absolutely my pleasure. Thank you so much for visiting me, dearest Sera. I hope I get to see you again.

Perhaps, next time you come over, we can discuss these your questions and my answers over some lovely dinner and wine. What do you think?

[Shtet]

[OOC: Sorry Voxija and Treciene, I'll make sure you two get a response within 24 hours. Currently suffering from a spontaneous writer's block.]

[Sanghyeok]

Did you say it's time for parfait? “Greetings, President Weil. First of all, I give my most sincere thanks for your decision to attend my 861st Birthday Gala. I am looking forward to meeting you, your wife and your son Kotera in person, as well as eating the delightful parfait which I was informed you had prepared for the evening of the Gala. My questions are some I have been pondering since I started realising the role of faith and religion in my life. To say the least, I have had a complicated relationship with religion. Although I do not consider myself to be a adherent of any religious sect right now, I still find many of my personal morals and core values have been influenced by them. Therefore, I would like to ask: How many of your personal values would you believe are a direct result of your religious faith, and have there been instances when your personal values and faith have clashed? If there are any such cases, I would be interested in hearing your solution. I would also like to know more about your own faithfulness to religion. In my case, I was born into Buddhism and had been following those traditions for nearly 300 years until I lost faith in the face of tragedies. As I understand it, you remain a devout follower of Judaism, in spite of many challenges and tribulations which you faced in your life including those where you were persecuted for your Jewish faith. I am curious as to how you were able to remain faithful in the face of those incidents, and how those events changed you on a spiritual level. I thank you again for your personal visit to the United Socialist Federation of Sanghyeok, and wish you the most pleasant time at the Birthday Gala. -Chairwoman of the Federation, Secretary General of the United Front, Supreme Leader of the People's Armed Forces Oomiya Sakura -社会主義連邦政府主席、統一戦線総書記、人民軍隊最高指導者 大宮 咲来

[Zitravgrad]

"I feel like this question will be very personal, if not intrusive. I apologize beforehand if you take offense from this question, Frau Weil, if I may call you that."

"I cannot help but think that you have aged gracefully and your temperament remains highly stable. Even in the dusk of your life, you still appear to be so energetic and capable. But I cannot help but wonder how you manage to remain as such. How does it feel like to grow old? Do you feel that you are calmer than when you were younger? Wiser, perhaps? I would like to know because I fear nothing more than to grow old and lose a fraction of who I have been in my best days. It's a morbid anxiety of time."
Dr. Feodora Alexandrovna Miroslavskaya
First Lady of Zitravgrad, mathematician, computer scientist and military technologist

[Zarnicovia nova]

1. What is your view on global warming and the increasing amount of natural disasters.
2. What do you think your country should do to help countries in need after they we're by a natural disaster?

[Middle Barael]

Hello Bubbe! I have some questions for you that apply to my own bubbe, and I was wondering if they apply to you too.

1. Do you speak Hebrew, or just Yiddish? My own bubbe understands Yiddish, and she knows some Hebrew but not much, mainly only the religion things.

2. Before your ancestors moved to Shtet, which part of Eastern Europe was your family or your mishpocha from? My bubbe’s father was Polish and her mother Lithuanian.

3. Obviously you are Ashkenazi, but what denomination are you? Reform, conservative, orthodox? Or are you one of those rarer forms, like Renewal or Reconstructionist, or perhaps you are secular or Humanistic? My bubbe herself doesn’t seem to be very religious, but she raised her kids in what’s now considered “modern orthodox”, and her synagogue is orthodox.

4. What is your favorite Chag? (I actually don’t know which one my Bubs likes best; I’ll have to ask her)

5. How have you been keeping up with COVID-19? Has it been bad in Shtet? My Bubs is Canadian, so it’s not as bad as it is here in the US, but her city has been seeing an uptick, and she’s just very sad that she can’t see family, especially since my cousin (so her other grandchild) is getting married in a week but with very few people.

6. Do you have Manishevitz in Shtet? What about Kedem? Only a real Jewish bubbe could know about these things

Anyways, I think that’s enough for now! Thank you Bubbe, and I wish you a late Gmar Chatima Tovah!

[Shtet]

[Oh God, oh fuck, that's a lot more questions than the last time I checked this thread. Alright, prepare for an answer spam.]