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Posted on 01/15/2003 6:59:29 AM PST by SJackson
Being part of the turbulent Sixties generation, I had my fill of bellbottoms, long hair, beads, Woodstock festivals, and yes, many an anti-war demonstration. It often seemed that the students of my college, University of Buffalo, were doing their best to compete with Berkeley U. for the "wildest and most militant" award. More than once, we were chased by cops shooting tear-gas.
However, our purpose seemed noble and somehow worth any personal risks involved. After all, we were against the war in Viet Nam. We represented pro-life, a peaceful approach to resolving conflicts amongst nations. The "other side," well, they were the bad guys. The "big business" of the war machine. We saw ourselves as wearing the white hats, ready to save the downtrodden and even the world. Arm in arm we sat or stood, swaying back and forth, chanting away, "all we are saying, is give peace a chance."
Thirty years later, I´ve come to realize that while peace is indeed a noble cause and totally worth pursuing, there is sometimes a justification and a necessity for war. No normal person would go out of his or her way looking for this sort of thing. But, unfortunately, it sometimes is laid on our doorstep, like 9/11. Then, turning to pacifism or "peace now" for assistance is like the bird sticking its head in the ground when it sees a wolf running its way.
Former US president Jimmy Carter recently made a statement to the effect that "war is never justified." My guess is that the only reason he was alive and well and even able to make such an utterance was because there were brave enough folks to declare their independence and fight for their freedom way back in 1776. And there were brave, dedicated, selfless individuals and countries who stood up against the Nazi attempted take over of the world just a generation or two ago. I´m sure glad Carter wasn´t in office during the recent terrorist attacks against the US. He´d be busy "fiddling while Rome was burning."
You see, this notion of pacifism gets a bit sticky when one side believes in dialogue, reaching out a hand in friendship, and even compromising, while the other side hates your guts, wants your head displayed on a stick, and would like nothing better than to level your towns and plant their flags all over the joint. Peace only works when it´s a two-way street. If not, pacifism becomes suicide. It reminds me of that amazing scene from the hit movie Independence Day, where there are hundreds of people on top of buildings waving in awe at the huge alien ship hovering above the capitol. They were ready to embrace these unknown space neighbors with love and open arms. "We want you," they chanted, "We love you. We can live together. Plenty of room in this universe!" Then, of course, they were blown to bits by these not-so-friendly, slightly-different-agenda characters.
Despite the hollow claims of the present pacifists, the US war effort did succeed in Afghanistan. In fact, once the US decided to use their vaunted air power, the war there was basically over in two months. The country was liberated and the terrorists were beaten, at least for the time being. So too, with the situation in Israel. While some in the Israeli government keep pushing this misguided pacifist, two-state agenda of understanding and compromise, the Arabs see it a bit differently. They see it as a one-state agenda - their own. Never mind the fact that they didn´t build it or make it happen or ever own it. They simply want it and the Israelis better get the hell outta the way. For them, it´s the old motto of "by any means necessary," including murder of civilians and suicide bombers.
To the so-called Palestinians, the Israeli (and any non-Moslem, especially a Western one) is an infidel, worthy of a one-way ticket to the next world. This modern day Moslem "freedom fighter," or "militant" as they´re often referred to in the media (wouldn´t want to hurt their sensitive feelings), is the true menace to a peaceful, democratic society. It´s not those who argue that it´s time to use our last resort option -- war. When one side embraces war and glorifies violence, it´s naive at best, and criminal at worst, to hold up a peace sign and beg them for acceptance.
Israel has the right and obligation to protect itself, its borders and its citizens. They´ve tried the pacifist route for a long time. Too long. If anything, it has led to an empowerment of an enemy. Like the US in its war against terrorism, Israel needs to declare war, use their amazing air power, and, well... don´t tell Mr. Carter... give war a chance.
I suggest the following practical terms of engagement: Once the location of a suicide bomber or terrorist has been positively identified, the residents of his town are given 24 hours to get out before the IAF is called in. This allows the "innocent" civilians time to leave for greener pastures. I put that word innocent in quotes, for let´s remember that it "takes a village to raise a (suicide bomber) child." Those who choose to stay face the consequences. This business of destroying individual homes after each suicide bomber is like a prize fighter in the ring. Every time he gets hit he grabs his opponents hand, gives it a potch, and says, "Now you just stop that, ya’ hear!"
Once a town or two, not houses, are cleared out, the violence will probably cease. For they may just realize that there are serious repercussions for murder and violence. Then, too, it may take the clearing out of many of their towns and cities. Or, since there is so much hatred and religious brainwashing from their side, Israel may have to clear it all out and take over the entire region. All this, of course, depends on the Arabs, and when, if ever, they decide to live like human beings with their Jewish neighbors.
It´s time for Israel to win this thing once and for all.
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Dr. David Lazerson, the founder and director of Beth Rafael – The Alternative Yeshivah High School in Miami, Florida, is the author of Skullcaps and Switchblades and Ammunition.
When did that jackass say this??
I think this guy just got his fill of "free love", can't perform anymore, so has no reason to be an idiot any longer.
I believe you are right.
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