Go Get 'Em, Ben

Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu:

Despite the public musings of our (but not my) evil president, Barack Obama, there is a great deal of support for you in the United States of America. My understanding of the long history of the Middle East and the Jewish presence there may be above average but is still severely lacking. It no longer matters whether or not you “belong” in that part of the world, whether or not you “stole” the land or that your faith and culture are starkly different from the border countries, none of which have the standard of living or personal freedoms your country enjoys. You have, in my opinion, an unmitigated right to defend yourself from real terror and a plausible villainous threat of annihilation. I don’t care what Obama thinks or the other “civilized” countries think. The dismissive attitude of Europe and the U.S. remind me of the policies of appeasement toward Hitler. I did not live in that era (I was born in 1946) but do understand much of that history since history around WWII is the only history I ever enjoyed exploring. Apparently allowing Israel to be destroyed is a small price to pay for Muslim peace, but for what grievances, I do not understand. We do know Obama is a strong supporter of Muslim and I think, radical Islam.

The good news to me, as man who believes in self-defense, both personally and as a nation, is that you will do what you need to do to keep yourselves alive. Our late president Reagan had it right when he followed the policy that only strength would protect us. When we or your country “negotiate” with or appease the fanatics in the Middle East, we deceive ourselves. These dangerous people” place no value on life (though it is interesting that bin Laden did not seem to be in much of a hurry to meet his assigned virgins). As you know, negotiation only gives these evil people more time to prepare a more serious attach against your country.

I am not optimistic that the Middle East will ever be a peaceful place. I think Europe for similar reasons is not far behind and I am losing faith in the USA as well. I don’t need to “hope” that you will launch a drive designed to protect yourself; I know you will; despite the inevitable public outcry, I reiterate that many people here believe that is what you have to do and will not be critical of you. I am sorry only that the people of Jewish faith in the USA are not more outspoken about your risks.

And, your announcement that you will NOT notify the USA in advance of a pre-emptive strike is prudent. “Good luck” is cliché but that is the best I can do.

*&*&*&*&*&*&