In the same way that most Americans
do not identify with right-wing extremists in America,
Israel and her people are not the same as the the far right in Israel,
nor do they
necessarily agree with the ambitions
and priorities of the IDF.
Most Americans do not like Bush's policies, but love America. 67%
Most Israelis disagree with some IDF tactics, but love Israel. 62%
When you strip away the logical fallacy of false comparison, it
becomes evident that patriotic Americans can certainly oppose the
corporate cabal which now rules America. Faithful Jews, and
others who love Israel...can oppose the extremism of collective
punishment, destruction of crops, and other crimes, without fear
of being inaccurately labeled anti-Semitic.
It remains important that people understand what issues have
been conflated. Israel attracts negative attention when zealots and
extremists on the right wing extreme act in ways which contradict her
spiritual traditions and fly in the face of common sense and universal
moral codes. This has nothing to do with Anti-Semitism. It has
everything to do with the efficacy of ethical behavior. Amoral
behavior reflects badly on those who engage in it. In time, Israeli,
Palestinian,
and American people will express their will, the
fighting
will end, and the
world will applaud their courage.
I love America, Israel, and the peoples of Gaza and the
Palestinian
territories. Most people in these nations demand a two-state solution.
It is time to begin realizing this dream.
When leaders in all nations
base their platforms and policies on ethical behavior and become accountable for
the consequences of their actions, then our civilizations
and cultures will move forward towards peace, prosperity,
and integrity.
Some on both the extreme left and extreme right pretend
that
the worst in Israel or America represent the heart and soul of
average people. Through education and moderation, we can
help both nations become more accountable for their actions and
more responsive to the vast majorities of their people. There
is movement in this direction, however measured and faltering.
Timothy Martin Flanagan
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