Posted on 03/14/2005 5:09:39 PM PST by wagglebee
We're living in historic times that will change the dynamics of freedom and peace for generations to come. The dramatic events rippling across the globe are precipitated by men and women of incredible vision and a commitment to humanity. President George W. Bush is a man of such vision, and Sen. George Allen is proving to be another leader for peace.
"‘The future is now,'" Allen quoted his late father, Hall of Fame Football Coach George Allen. "If you do the job well, the job at hand, then the future will take care of itself." Like President Bush, Sen. Allen is working hard on "the job at hand," tirelessly guiding the world toward freedom. Last week, I wrote about Sen. Allen's trip to Iraq where he spent time with out troops, and conducted meetings with Iraqi leaders such as Ibrahim al-Jaafari to discuss the future of Iraq.
Sen. Allen also visited Israel where he met with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Minister of Finance Benjamin Netanyahu, Labor party leader Simon Peres, and General Amos Gilad.
The topics leading the agenda were laying a foundation for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, and Hezbollah.
Sharon was anxious to discuss Allen's support regarding the refusal of the European Union to recognize Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Allen has sent a letter to EU Foreign Policy and Security Chief Javier Salana urging them to change their stance, and is sponsoring an upcoming resolution on the matter for the U.S. Senate. Sharon was very appreciative of Allen's efforts.
"All of us have had our hopes [for peace] dashed for so many years," Allen said. "But Sharon really sees this [Arafat's death] as an opportunity."
Allen spoke of Sharon's willingness to seize this opportunity. Israel has withdrawn from Gaza, and released Palestinian prisoners. Now, the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas must control the terrorists. Even though terrorist attacks are down, there's concern that some radical might assassinate Abbas and upset this progress.
The senator also gave a can of Virginia peanuts to Sharon, only to learn that Sharon's family grew peanuts years ago.
As for the rumors that Sharon appears depressed? Not true, said a staffer who accompanied Sen. Allen on the trip, "He was in very good spirits, a little overweight, but very bright and very engaged."
However, a power play may be brewing between Netanyahu and Sharon. Allen's meeting with Netanyahu was a reunion of sorts. In 1996, then Governor Allen met with then Prime Minister Netanyahu to sign agreements on education and business between Virginia and Israel.
Since that time both men have come a long way. While nursing a cigar, Netanyahu pushed his argument for a referendum on Israel's disengagement with the Palestinians. This is in direct conflict to fellow Likud party member Sharon's plan. Is Netanyahu angling for a battle with Sharon in an attempt to retake the office of prime minister? At 77 years of age, would Sharon be up for such a fight?
This dangerous and complex situation is evidenced by the barrier Israel built to keep out the terrorists. Allen toured the structure. He also viewed the Dead Sea. The lore being that the sea is dead because so many people are baptized in the Jordan River, which empties all of those sins into the Dead Sea. Let's hope that those sins are finally being washed away, allowing a new era to dawn in this violence stricken land.
From your brain to God's ears---I am a hugh George Allen fan. I also think that anyone that thinks it is too early for the conservatives to even be thinking about 2008, is naive.
Hillbilly has been running for POTUS since she walked out of the White House in January of 2001.
None of the "frontrunners" mentioned on chat shows are conservative enough, and even though Bush is fiscally too liberal, I believe the last election was a positive sign of social conservatism---
Thanks for the good article about Sen. Allen. I am also becoming a big fan of Rep. Mike Pence. I am always on the look-out for someone in Washington to root for!
Bump for George Allen!
I first saw him at a Republican rally at a home in Great Falls, Virginia, when he was running for Governor. It was an exciting evening. I agree with you. I think he will be a natural choice.
"The senator also gave a can of Virginia peanuts to Sharon, only to learn that Sharon's family grew peanuts years ago."
This is the first thing I have heard bad about Allen.
Please do not remind me of that peanut farmer.
George Allen is my choice for President in 2008. Unless circumstances change the landscape. But as of this moment, he is by far the pick of the litter.
You have good taste!
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