Bill Bennett: Where Bush Rewards Terror

Washington Post ^ | 03/20/2002 | William J. Bennett

[Pokey78]

The administration's policy in the Middle East just took a dramatic turn in the wrong direction. This turn at once marks a concession to terrorism and a violation of principle.

Just as Israel was defending itself from unremitting, unbearable terror, President Bush stated that what Israel was doing -- targeting terrorists and militarily occupying the land they were coming from -- was "not helpful."

Click here for the entire column.

[Lady In Blue]

What is it with Bennett? Everytime I turn around,he's done nothing but criticize the President? Doesn't he have anything better to do or is it that the Bush Administration doesn't give him any attention?

[lara]

I can't argue with what he says.

[flaglady47]

There's nothing "up" with Bennett. He's right and you're wrong.

[exit82]

Bill Bennett has hit the nail on the head --again.

Arafat is the world's premier terrorist. He should be captured and in jail, not being kowtowed to by our officials.

Israel has every right to defend against terroristic attacks. The 350 Israelis who have been killed by the Intifada would translate in more victims than we lost on 9/11 if the population was extrapolated to our level.

I'm getting very tired of us kissing Arafat's butt. It's time we kicked it--hard.

[flaglady47]

There's nothing "up" with Bennett. He's right and you're jumping on the wrong guy. Jump on Bush. He's the hypocrite.

[america-rules]

Bennett is correct in theory but way off in REALITY !

[over3Owithabrain]

What did Bennett say that you would argue is wrong, other than the fact you don't like hearing bad things said about Bush? How many more historical supporters of Bush have to wonder aloud what the hell is going on before the message is understood by those who cling to blind loyalty?

[over3Owithabrain]

Oh that's right - it's all part of the Bush/Rove master plan. Discourage your allies, turn a blind eye to Pallie terrorism and kiss up to Arab Jew-haters. Why didn't I see it - this guarantees a Bush landslide in 2004.

[Askel5]

Everytime I turn around,he's done nothing but criticize the President?

On something besides Israel?

[LarryLied]

Ever consider there is a longer term plan here? It is not in America's interest to hurt Israel. But there are other things on the table. Such as the deaths of several thousand Americans and some serious potential threats to us on the horizon. Israel will not be abandoned if for no other reason that would hurt US security.

[Texasforever]

There's nothing "up" with Bennett. He's right and you're jumping on the wrong guy. Jump on Bush. He's the hypocrite.

Here is a word of advice. If those that see Israel as a vital issue want to increase the animosity towards you, then keep that crap up. Bush is the ONLY friend you have right now in a position to protect you. Europe would like nothing more than the annihilation of the country. I say that being a very strong supporter of Israel.

[flaglady47]

No, I'm not convinced there is a longterm plan here. I think Dubya is being swayed by his father's advice, and his father has always sided with the Arabs, as did James Baker. Don't trust Bush Sr. when it comes to Israel, and hope and pray Dubya doesn't go the way of this father on this issue.

[america-rules]

It has nothing to do with Bush or any plan. They hate each other and you can bash and kill all you want and they will never go away. Never ! If anyone thinks they will they are living in la la land. The arabs are like ants and they will keep comming. Kill as many as you want and they will dig in. Keep killing the Jews and sooner or later there won't be an Israel left to defend. Force only works when the other side respects your power. These people don't respect the power of Israel and they're not afraid to die!

Israel has to work for a peaceful solution or they won't win this in the end.. I know you don't want to hear this but it's the truth and they have to face it. The Pali's will be taking out major targets soon with missles and they can kill as many as they want but it won't stop them because they want to die and the Jews want to live !

[duckln]

Bush 41 was tagged as a 'wimp' and wasn't. I'm afraid GW is.

If we're on a 'roll', we should do it across the board including Palistine and Bosnia.

Free Milosevic to boot!

[LarryLied]

I don't know why conservatives bother. Because it is morally right to support Israel I guess. They sure never get any credit for it. We saw the same thing with Nixon and Reagan. Americans died in Lebanon trying to bring some peace to the area and all Democrats and Jewish liberals did was bash Reagan about it. Nixon rushed aid when Israel was in trouble and he's always referred to as an antisemite by Jewish liberals.This gets old.

[Texasforever]

Bush 41 was tagged as a 'wimp' and wasn't. I'm afraid GW is.

Sharon was given a free hand for two months, Why did he not take Arafat out? How many hints did Sharon need? I am about to wash my hands of Israel and its supporters on this site. If you people represent the State of Israel then a pox on both your houses.

[over3Owithabrain]

So you say (correctly) the Pallies/Arabs/Muslims are hell-bent on killing the Jews. They want to die and Israelis want to live. So they will accept yet another Jewish "peace plan"? Who's in la-la land now? War can be quite a peaceful solution, you know. Isn't that the only recourse with terrorists, or does that apply only to the Taliban?