The Fuzzy Nature of Military Experiences
June 25th, 2007Here is an AP article declaring that few of our 2008 candidates have military experience and that the voters don’t seem to care about that since Clinton and Bush rose to power. That’s true enough, but it’s a huge shield for those who have been to War, if they have half a brain, by which I mean, What good does the military do you as a politician if you’re unwilling to talk it up? That’s the difference between John Kerry and John McCain, besides a couple of pounds and McCain’s insanity, which he covers up by saying, “Leave me alone. I was a POW.”
I agree that it’s not as important to be a War Hero as it used to be, but people like John McCain wouldn’t even be in the discussion if not for their wartime service.
Israel did a very good thing today, but it’s left me slightly confused.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Monday he will release 250 Fatah members from Israeli prisons in a goodwill gesture aimed at strengthening Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas after Hamas’ victory in Gaza. Olmert announced the prisoner release at a summit with Abbas and the leaders of Egypt and Jordan that the Arabs and Palestinians are hoping can push forward the peace process and strengthen Abbas’ hand.
“As a gesture of good will towards the Palestinians, I will bring before the Israeli Cabinet a proposal to free 250 Fatah prisoners who do not have blood on their hands, after they sign a commitment not to return to violence,” Olmert told the gathering.
If they don’t have blood on their hands, why must they commit not to “return to violence”? Sounds like a face-saving way for the Israelis to release a bunch of war-criminals and call it something else. I’m in favor of the release of even some violent Palestinians if it means a better dialogue and more concessions from the Palestinians. I thikn Olmert’s done a good job.
Unfortunately, he’s had little American support or guidance throughout this whole thing. Though reflecting on it, I’ve got to wonder whether or not it’s a good thing that George W. Bush has kept his hands off that situation.