Unfortunately, the fate of the world kinda rests on the outcome of this election. From Ukraine and Israel at a minimum, to severe climate change and WW3 at the extreme end. I hate it too, but this is just too big to ignore.
Well put.
I think the desire for a national identity (Zionism) is fundamentally at odds with peaceful coexistence with neighbouring ethnic groups. Israel is definitely at a major disadvantage here. Most other ethnic groups have a “homeland” out of sheer geo-historical inertia. Though I wouldn’t call it a completely unique situation. We see the tensions arise from the protection (or lack thereof) of national identity all over the world to lesser degrees, especially as globalization creeps in.
And I can empathize with groups that feel marginalized because of it. Though I think letting it boil over into violence is definitely a step too far.
Besides, geography as a means of cultural protectionism may be an outdated idea. We can’t underestimate the importance of soft power for spreading cultural influence, and being in a state of constant conflict does not further that goal.
In summary, I think Israel’s actions are rational at a tactical level, but ultimately fail to address the big picture you lay out.
You use the word “hobby”, but I think this is a unique problem to hobbies involving collections. Personally I stay away from collection hobbies because they inevitably devolve into a binder full of stuff you don’t use or enjoy because you already own it, and a rat race to obtain stuff you don’t have. That’s not my idea of a good time.
Granted, most hobbies are money pits or conversely time sinks, but that’s kinda the point. As long as it brings you joy or personal fulfillment.
Sadly, the problem with SaaS and online software…: just cause it’s great today doesn’t mean it won’t turn to shit in tomorrow. Blocking ads is just a small part of the kind of nefarious things that may be done.
So to answer your question, no.
You expect to own your body? Hah, that’s cute.
Just wait for the enshittification of Neuralink.