The Inside Assyria Discussion Forum #5

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Posted by pancho (Guest) - Thursday, November 1 2007, 0:29:47 (CET)
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I had to copy your post and take it 6 miles to another computer to digest...now I've come six miles back to respond. Most of what he writes no one has argued with...of course Assyrians weren't completely wiped out...the memory and names remained and as I said before people went on being "born in Assyria"...it all revolves around what you mean by "Assyrian"...Parpola thinks they remained conscious of who they were...others say they did not....for all his references there are others in opposition...as well as assyriologits who don't agree....I never said there was proof positive....only that we need to be informed and think for ourselves...however, at the end of my second reading I came across this:

>
>For an outsider who does not know the facts it will be difficult recognize the link between imperial Assyria and the oppressed and persecuted. Aramaic-speaking Christian Assyrians of today. And if this recognition is lacking; it will be all the more difficult for the Assyrians to regain their lost place among sovereign nations. For this reason it is imperative that the facts establishing the link be systematically collected and presented in a way that will settle the issue definitely.
>
>To make this possible, the State Archives of Assyria Centre of Excellence of the University of Helsinki has initiated a long-term project called MELAMMU, "divine splendor," which aims at systematically documenting the continuity ; transformation of Assyrian culture and ethnic identity in post-empire times until the present day. A central objective of MELAMMU is to create an electro database bringing together all the relevant evidence and make it available worldwide on the Internet. The project has an international steering committee and a board of consultants representing several different branches of study, from Assyriology to classical, Iranian and religious studies. With the support Assyrians in the United States and Sweden, we hope to have the database re; and operational within a few years.61
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>I am convinced that, once completed, MELAMMU will not only greatly boost research in Assyrian and Babylonian cultural heritage but also significantly help modern Assyrians in their struggle for a brighter future. I particularly hope that MELAMMU will become a source of inspiration for young computer- generation Assyrians and inspire them to work for the future of their nation. For they have plenty of reasons to do so with pride. They are descendants of a great nation which has given much to the culture of mankind and spread Christian farther than any other people in antiquity.

...This article seems to be aimed at soliciting funds for his project. I wonder how you all would react if Dr Joseph's book ended with a plea to "send me money so I can further prove my point". That would be something, wouldn't it?

...As it is we've come up with the most outlandish reasons for Dr Joseph's research and career...we insist he MUST be paid by someone...that he works for Jews...or Sarhad Jammo..or the CIA. Just because the man has dared tackle our pet beliefs...as many great thinkers have taken such risks....we can only see some underhanded reason...when it's Dr Joseph who has the cleaner motives...after all, look at how we treat him? Surely he must have known he was unleashing a firestrom over his head when he persued his studies...but he went on anyway, like many a true scholar unconcerned for the consequences of his research and writings from the babble of the Mob...he's been insulted to his face, threatened physically, had all his motives maligned...heard the wildest stories about him spread around as facts...and never asked anyone for a dime...he certainly didn't get rich on sales of his book.

By contrast Parpola has set himself up as the darling of the very people he then solicits for money...to continue "research" that just happens to please the piss out of them. I find it highly unethical for Parpola to end a "research paper" with an obvious plea for funds to "Show You You Are Assyrians For Being Christians"...I doubt he would include such an ending if he were presenting this to real people....I mean people whom he knew he could wheedle no funds from...such as an academic association, I mean a REAL one.

Dr Joseph had nothing to gain from us...and everything to lose...yet he soldiered on bravely...reporting his findings with no thought to gain by them or how they would be received...and with every risk imaginable...just to have Magpie screaming at him would be enough to wilt Parpola. But Parpola HAS something to gain from his "analysis". Of course it doesn't necessarily mean that his writing here is tainted...but it sure looks suspicious...all the more when you realize how fast YOU would be on Dr Joseph if he was ever so crass and sleazy as to stroke your balls to get your money.

And like a dummy I sat there and answered each and every point!!!...though most of them presented nothing to argue about...I finally got suspicious when he jumped too easily and quickly, and with no references whatsoever, to the opinion that Christianity is taken from Ashur...and we assyrians need to "prove" our ancient identity in order to get "our poltical rights"..which can only mean a country...in other words, Iraq. Since when do scholars advocate politcal action...or stress the need for it...based on their opinions, which are based on highly subjective evidence? Why is he doing this? Why does he go from simply making an assessment, giving his hypothesis, to almost a call to arms?

Again...money must enter into it. Money...that thing we try so hard to smear Dr Joseph with...but in this case makes all of Parpola's "theory" nothing more than the lipstick of a whore.



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