If I Forget Thee?

Submitted by John R. Peacher (United States), Aug 15, 2005 at 22:16

Israel's actions this week will not bode well for democracies anywhere.

Over the past 50 years Israelis have made a name for themselves for their military intelligence and ability to thwart terrorist attacks. Hundreds of incidents were stopped as the intelligence network, military, civilian police and average citizens did their part to live in relative safety. For a majority of the public to support actions of appeasement and withdrawl under fire is similar to public opinion toward the end of the Viet Nam war.

Major news corporations play a major role in shaping public opinion, contrary to statements to the contrary. Newspapers in Israel, Western Europe and the United States have cast those who moved into desolate areas of Israel and revitalized areas as zealots, zionists, colonialist and worse. After years of such abuse many have thrown up their hands in disgust and opted for compensation of their property and will move on. Where do they think they will move now? Not long ago it was from the concentration camps and burned synogogues that half dead, starved Jews fled to the Promised Land.

Now, after four or more wars and years of terror they hope to move to the Negev? To Jerusalem? To Tel Aiviv for peace and quiet? There is no where to go. No where to run. Israel is getting smaller and more vulnerable by the day. The next act of appeasement on the calendar for democracies will be a withdrawl from Iraq and Afghanistan. Next year, perhaps? Does terror work? Do good people tire and eventually capituate? Actions by Israel do not bode well for any of us. G-d help us, give us additional wisdom, fortitude, and conviction to defend, with our lives if necessary, our beliefs, freedom of speech, religion, and conviction.

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