In Reply to: Re: Ross posted by David Chibo on September 23, 2001 at 04:12:02:
I read that book too. While I enjoyed several parts of it, I was a little dismayed that Ashurbanipal's mother had to be GREEK! Was this the author's way of explaining the unique character of the man, was it true...was it just a "choice"? I remember it disturbed me at the time.
In this debate we will cling to the high road...that's the best way to show Ross how wrong he was. I, for one, honor every aspect of my ancestors, including their most wise and Universal god Ashur. There is nothing Christian here...therefore he's dealing with about as close to the real thing as he's going to find on this earth. And if he brings up the Aramaens and their views on us...I'll cut that short real quick.
I have one question though...at our meeting in LA both he and Marzillier tried hard to engage me on this language issue, this Aramaic business. Anyone have any clue what some of our Aramaen brothers or our great uncle Ghassan might have sent on ahead? What is the argument about? Is it some sort of supposed Achilles heel?
I have several books and articles I'll be re-reading etc. so don't think I'm going in there to bluster and posture. But this debate wont be won with "facts". The audience is hardly coming to be instructed...it's just as much about perceptions...how do we come across? That's why I didn't want another "white man" speaking for us, OR a "scholar" of our own who would make wild claims found nowhere else...who would be tolerated for his "peculiarities", patted on the head, and laughed at when he turned his back to leave, convinced he'd "shown them a thing or two". If NOTHING else...they will not laugh when I leave.
I will also be presenting the college with a large sculpture of the Lamasu with a brass plate attached, thanking Dr. Tyree Wieder and the students and faculty of the college, on behalf of the Assyrian community. Let's give Dr Ross a glimpse of what non-Christian Assyrians can be like as well.