Do What is Right

It is hard to follow the daily news stories without getting all worked up. I guess one alternative would be to just quit the news cold turkey and spend more time in the shop building bird houses. But, someone has to keep track of what the lunatics are doing, and it just as well be me. There is no shortage of hot-button items, and I have no trouble getting agitated over any one of several of them. Today, though, my thoughts have gravitated to the problems in Israel. This tiny country has had to mix it up with all its neighbors since it became a homeland for the Jews in 1948. In spite of having to spend so much time and effort defending itself, Israel has still managed to become a world leader in commercial and technological enterprises. At one time or another, all of the failed states surrounding her have taken their shot, but without success. It is hard for me to understand why they feel it is so important to bring Israel down. Instead, why don't these countries ask themselves, "If Israel can make a go of it in this part of the world, why can't we be successful, too? Surely we are as intelligent and industrious as a Jew". Oh, but we are not dealing with rational people here. I suspect that envy is the driving force behind all the hatred and agitation, and these nations just can't stand Israel being successful while they themselves are such miserable failures. And they won't admit that that their failures are their own doing. I read once that when Hamas took over Gaza, there were 340 operating factories there. That represented a lot of jobs and put a lot of bread on the Palestinians' tables. It took just a matter of a few months to completely tank Gaza's economy, and we all know it wasn't the fault of the Jews. The Hamas leaders were more concerned with lobbing rockets across the border than with providing a livelihood for their citizens. And somehow these idiots have managed to sway a huge amount of world opinion in their favor, portraying themselves as the poor victims of the ruthless Jews.

Well, since you asked, here is my view. We have already asked the Palestinians to recognize Israel as a legitimate state. They answered with a resounding NO, so the ball is now in our court. It is naive to continue talking about a "Palestinian State", because the Palestinians have vowed not to co-exist on an equal basis with Israel. So, I would do it the old-fashioned way; I would assemble all my military forces and I would march in and CONQUER them. That would make any charters they have null and void, because they would now be subject to Israeli law. There would be a lot of kicking, screaming and the gnashing of teeth, but once they started eating regularly and providing for their families again, they would come around. Also, I would tell some of the other neighbors that the spoils of the 1967 war are now ours - we won them fair and square, so live with it.

You know, Israel is the most powerful force in the neighborhood, and I think they deserve some respect. It is time that the snot-nosed runts learn that it is not wise to thumb your nose at the big guy who could mop the floor with you.