Posted by
Jim Hunt on Tuesday, January 06, 2009 8:00:00 AM
“We are all in the same boat in a stormy sea, and we owe each other a terrible loyalty.” – G.K. Chesterton
The headlines today are the same as they have been many times before. “Death Toll Mounts as Israel Expands Gaza Offensive” – “French President says violence ‘must stop immediately, as soon as possible’.” – “Syria’s President Assad calls the Israeli offensive a ‘war crime’.” – “Toll Rises in Gaza”
To anyone unfamiliar with the situation it would appear that Israel is the aggressor and the people of Gaza are being subjected to vicious attacks. Even the United States government has joined in the call for a cease fire. Of course it was Hamas’ refusal to continue the previous “cease fire” that initiated this conflict.
Who are we to criticize Israel? Why are we not standing at her side in this conflict? Hamas was founded with the explicit goal of the complete destruction of Israel. It has never renounced that goal. Hamas deliberately targets innocent Israeli civilians with suicide bombers and missiles. Israel, on the other hand, issued warnings to the people of Gaza when and where they were planning to strike to allow people to clear the area. Hamas reacted by forcing civilians on the roofs of targeted buildings. Israeli hospitals are caring for people injured in Gaza.
While Iraq seeks stability, Israel is the sole bastion of freedom in the Middle East. They have been under constant threat from their neighbors yet they have maintained freedom and built a thriving economy.
Would we listen to diplomatic calls for “discussions and cease-fire” with Osama bin Laden after 9/11? No, and no more should Israel (or former U.S. presidents) be talking to Hamas until they repudiate their stance on Israel and cease all acts of terrorism.
The seas that Freedom sails upon are particularly stormy at the moment. There are some on board who are determined to rock the boat and perhaps even sink it. But we, the crew of that boat, have a responsibility to show “a terrible loyalty” to her and to all who seek to continue to sail aboard her.
God Bless America