Letter: Republicans Abroad in Israel to President Bush against Roadmap

IMRA | 5/27/2003 | Republicans Abroad in Israel

[LarryM]

Letter: Republicans Abroad in Israel to President Bush against Roadmap

27 May 2003

The Honorable George Bush President of the United States of America The White House Washington DC

Dear Mr. President,

We, the Republicans Abroad - Israel, would like to applaud your leadership in the global war against terror.

By removing the Taliban from power in Afghanistan, and eliminating the evil regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, your administration has made the world a safer place for democracy and freedom. Under your stewardship, America has once again demonstrated that it is a benevolent superpower, one which uses force not to impose tyranny on others, but rather to liberate them from it.

As such, we are especially perplexed by your decision to press for the implementation of the Middle East "Road Map", which is slated to lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Since September 2000, the Palestinian Authority has engaged in a campaign of terror against Israel, and it is inconceivable that they should now be rewarded with statehood for their mindless acts of violence.

Moreover, as a result of various Palestinian attacks, more than a dozen American citizens have been killed during this period. Justice demands that the Palestinian Authority turn over those responsible for these acts to the United States, something they have thus far failed to do.

We believe that pressuring Israel to negotiate with terrorists at the same time that America is waging war on terror is both morally untenable and intellectually inconsistent. It blurs the clarity of vision which you have repeatedly enunciated since the September 11 terror attacks in New York and Washington, and sends the wrong message to terrorists around the world, namely, that violence can and does pay.

Mr. President, as loyal members of the Republican Party, we would also urge you to consider the political consequences which pursuit of the "Road Map" will likely entail.

Pressing ahead with this plan will only serve to alienate American Jews and the Christian right, many of whom view the "Road Map" as an act of defiance against the Divine promise to bestow the Land of Israel to the people of Israel.

Indeed, we are aware of increasing numbers of American citizens - both here in Israel and in the United States - who are now considering abandoning the Republican party as a result of your Administration's pursuit of the "Road Map".

In light of the above, we would therefore urge you to reconsider, and to cease pressuring Israel to implement the "Road Map".

For, as Vice President Richard Cheney said following the recent terrorist attack in Riyadh, "The only way to deal with this threat ultimately is to destroy it. There's no treaty that can solve this problem. There's no peace agreement, no policy of containment or deterrence that works to deal with this threat. We have to go find the terrorists".

Therefore, we believe the United States should stand behind Israel during these difficult times, and give it the full backing and support it requires to defeat the ongoing Palestinian terrorist threat which it faces on a daily basis.

Sincerely, Eliyahu Weinstein Bob Lang Chairman Co-Chairman Republicans Abroad in Israel 31 Mishol Hadekalim Jerusalem 97278 ISRAEL Telephone: 972-2-571-5030 Fax: 972-2-571-5031 Email: info@israelgop.co.il Website: www.israelgop.co.il

-------------------------------------------- IMRA - Independent Media Review and Analysis Website: www.imra.org.il

[rintense]

Hmmm... I thought GHWB lost because:

1. The economy
2. His conservative base abandoned him
3. Taxes- the libertarians did him in
4. The gun lobby
5. He was too liberal
6. Etc...

The Israel accusation is a new one to me.

[carton253]

I oppose the timing of the Roadmap... any country can't force two nations to make peace especially when one is bent on war. So, when the Roadmap says by 2005, 2006, 2008, I think that is pie in the sky thinking.

I have no illusions about the Palestinians (leadership and terror groups). I know what their end-game is. I know that they will not be satisfied until the Jews are gone, and Palestinians occupy Tel Aviv and Haifa.

But not all Palestinians feel that way.

Is Mazen one of them? Don't know. I'm encouraged by what I see. Is it a game? We are about to find out. But if it is not a game... and Mazen wants peace but needs both Israeli and American help to bring it about, then I say, let's see where this path takes us.

But, if Mazen is only a Arafat shill and nothing has changed... and the phased plan is still in effect, then the Roadmap should be stopped until the Palestinians are serious about peace.

[carton253]

Oh my word... formatting is our friend.

[af_vet_1981]

He lost an election who should have won without trouble, and his supporters still don't understand why. I'm not surprised. Still, it's a pity. Too many lives hang in the balance. Would that make a good book title or would Al Gore sue ?

[af_vet_1981]

Yes, I confess to being a bit lazy there. Sorry

[Jewels1091]

Bush is really frightened??????

I don't know what you are talking about! But I couldn't disagree with you more!!! People still don't understand this man! He would be disappointed if he lost the next election, but he wouldn't be crushed! He doesn't live and breath for the office unlike clintoon did. He would probably like to be fishing anyway!!!

[rintense]

Al Gore would probably say he invented the book.

GHWB lost for a number of reasons, but the main one was the 'No new taxes' lie.

[LarryM]

What? Are you're implying he lost re-election because of his stance with Israel?

That was one of many reasons. He lost because he alienated his political base by unprincipled actions like appeasing the Arabs, failing to finish off Saddam, caving into Mitchell and raising taxes. You get the idea. You can add political ineptitude to the list.

[af_vet_1981]

It is not about Bush, the man and how he "feels" if he wins or loses. It is about where he leads this country. Do you want him to lead it in an international strike against Jerusalem ?
If so, root for the PA.
If not, what will prevent it ?

[rintense]

My biggest problem with the entire Mideast is that every single country bitches about the problems in Israel, but not a single one is willing to stick their necks out and come up with a plausible solution. Not one. I hate that the US is always the problem solver, especially one as historically and religiously complex as this one.

But, then again, if not us, then who? I hold a very dear place in my heart for Israel and her people. And with every bombing that takes Israeli lives, I grow more and more radical in my views of the Palestinians. It is such a complex problem; I'm not sure there will ever be a solution until God himself intervenes.

[truthandlife]

Let's pretend there is a Palestinian state (MUST READ!)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/659459/posts

Let's pretend that Yasser Arafat no longer lies, and he is now a man of honor driven to make a better life for his people. Let's pretend that the millions of dollars in aid subsidizing the Palestinian Authority and used to smuggle bombs, guns and weapons of carnage and death will be used to build a healthy society – a society filled with job opportunities, good education and prosperity for all Palestinians.


Imagine the schoolbooks that teach Palestinian children to hate and murder Jews are burned in the town square. Let's pretend Palestinian radio and television join in the celebration and destroy their library of media propaganda advocating martyrdom in order to achieve peace and heavenly reward. Let's pretend that the Palestinian people eagerly await the new schoolbooks that teach brotherly love and acceptance of their Jewish neighbors and to embrace the state of Israel with open arms.


Imagine that the Palestinian summer camps for children that instruct 5- and 6-year-old boys how to shoot and blow up Jews, are now filled with activities like painting, ceramics and horseback riding.


Let's also imagine that all Palestinian men, women and children wake up one day and have forgotten everything they have ever learned about hatred. All the mothers and fathers of children who have blown their bodies up for the cause of peace are now accepting the fact that it was all a lie, that their children were duped and sacrificed for absolutely nothing! Pretend they have forgiven their political and religious leaders for deceiving them and there is a sense of joy and forgiveness in the air.


Now don't give up yet folks! Stay with me on this one. The human mind is quite remarkable in its ability to venture beyond logic. Let's pretend that Yasser Arafat wakes up one day and one truth comes out of his mouth. He repents to his people and to the world for being a bloodthirsty killer. He asks forgiveness for masterminding and implementing terror on the world for the past 40 years.


Let's pretend that Yasser Arafat is a changed man. He no longer feels compelled to annihilate the Jewish people, but instead wants to live side by side in peace and harmony.


This will be a stretch for some. Try to imagine the tens of thousands of young Palestinian men (and women) who have known absolutely nothing but hatred and bloodlust towards the Jewish people from the time they were children, have found a new peace in their hearts. Imagine they surrender their guns, bombs and ideologies and long to befriend their Jewish brothers. Decades of lies, and PA-sponsored moral and social depravity have simply vanished from their lives.


Let's pretend that the Palestinian people are dancing in the streets, handing out candy and celebrating their newfound love for their Jewish neighbors and their willingness to embrace their differences and share their resources and live together in peace!

Game over. Reality check.


The Middle East reality is that a Palestinian state will never and should never be allowed to exist within the borders of Israel! It simply will not work. It will be a cancer in the heart of Israel. Cancer is not something that can be negotiated with, nor can it be managed by "surgical strikes." It must be attacked aggressively and completely until all signs of the deadly disease are destroyed.

[af_vet_1981]

I don't think "no new taxes" was anywhere near as troubling as "... the Jews, they don't vote for us anyway"

It would be politically foolish to ignore the sizable evangelical base, but it's been done before, and someone can win the WH without it.

[carton253]

I'm not talking about the Arab street... and bulldozers aren't the answer.

We told the Palestinians that if they would create a prime minister's position, we would go forward. Well, they did it.

I have been very clear by saying that I have seen good things from Mazen... Are they the things that can bring about a "partner in peace?" The jury is still out on that. So, let's go to Jordan and find out.

You say, "let the Palestinian people decide." I agree. Yet, the reality is that the Palestinian people may not be in any condition to decide.

I don't think I would equate Arafat to Mick Jagger. I think the psychology is a litte difference as is the stage.

Your sarcasm is lost on me. It is neither witty nor very good. Your answer seems to be pave over the Middle East. Conducting a tour of American strength will play in certain capitals of the Middle East but not in certain caves in the Middle East.

The rest of your answer is inane. One does not have to do with the other. This isn't Washington politics.

[Jewels1091]

Your comment about GHWB losing the election because of Saddam isn't true. The American people wanted that war to stop after those pictures of the highway of death by a very high percentage. That had nothing to do with it. clintoon came in and convinced people that they were in dire financial trouble. Plus the younger idiots loved his saxaphone playing and his boxers or shorts comments. Perot didn't help either. there were alot of facters for that election, but saddam wasn't one of them.

[carton253]

I agree with your post. I hate the fact that Israel suffers because they are determined to survive. I hate the fact that the Palestinian people are pawns...

I hold a dear place for Israel also. I admire these people. I want them to live in peace and security.

It is a complex problem that will take a complex answer.

Yet the answer will arrive on the Mt. of Olives... and when He does... won't that be a day!

[truthandlife]

I disagree with your analysis on losing the evangelical base. Bush lost the popular vote and squeeked by on the electoral vote and many evangelicals stayed home. I think there will be many more staying home if Bush keeps the hammer on Israel.

See "Karl Rove: Stayaway Christians Almost Cost Bush Election"

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/fr/589852/posts

[Jewels1091]

Do you want him to lead it in an international strike against Jerusalem ?

Where are you getting this stuff??? Where are you getting some facts or reports on this?? There is not and will not be a strike on Jerusalem, the whole world KNOWS we WON"T allow it!! If they don't, they will soon.

[Jewels1091]

I think there will be many more staying home if Bush keeps the hammer on Israel.

That is an attitude that I have never understood. Disaggree with the President one an issue and let the democrats take over. Talk about cutting your nose off!!! Did NO ONE learn the lesson of what happens when you do that???? 8 years of clintoon didn't teach anyone anything???? I'd rather have Bush in the White House and not agree with some of the things he does than to have a Kerry or Dean in the White House!!

This country must have very short memories!!!

[carton253]

Good post...

I could post the same kind of scenario based on hope and peace and security and have the same opportunity of being right as you do.

Is the Palestinian state a cancer in the center of Israel? The way it exists now. Absolutely! With its current goals of destruction of the Jewish state? Absolutely.

Is it destined to stay this way? Some would say yes. Some would say no.

Who's to blame for the current situation? The Palestinians. Who does the world blame? Israel.

Who is Abu Mazen? The next in line of trojan horses? He very well could be.

Now, I have been arguing for Abu Mazen in this thread because I think we owe it to Israel to find out exactly what he is prepared to do for peace - because wouldn't it be nice if your scenario could be overcome.

But, politically, I think Benjamin Netanyahu is correct. No Palestinian state on the West Bank and Gaza.

Palestinian autonomy, yes. But, no sovereign state on Israel's border.

[hchutch]

You raise a valid point.

My only criticism of the roadmap is the fact that there is NO warning to the Palestinians that failure to comply with it will result in any sort of adverse consequences.

The roadmap, IMHO, is NOT fatally flawed IF the Palestinians hold up their end of the bargain. That is, IMHO, a very big if. But this is NOT a case where we need to ask "WTF is the Administration thinking?" pretty loudly.