To: 
From: "Vern Humphrey" 
Reply-To: r_catholic-l{at}yahoogroups.com

To: seanmbrook{at}aol.com [mailto:seanmbrook{at}aol.com]
> >
> > VH> As true as that is, we must debate on the same grounds as
> statesmen, or
> > the
> > whole thing is an exercise in pointlessness.
> > > >
>  I agree.  But that does not mean we cannot sometimes
>  discuss more "unusual" ideas.  One example being
>  your own suggestion that the US should give the usual
>  annual subsidy to Israel to whichever of the two sides
>  killed the FEWEST of its opponents that year.

And if we tried it, it just might work. :-)

But the point is, debate should be a rational analysis of the situation,
oriented on problem solution.  We ought to apply such well-established
concepts as the Grotian Principle (an honest broker cannot be a partisan).

It does no good to shout at the top of our voices "YOU are wrong!"

Nor does it help to marshal every possible issue to show one side is
totally in the wrong.  If we accepted that as legitimate debate, we could
"prove" that Iceland and the Fiji Islands are our deadly enemies!
>
> >
> > VH> Why not?  Why should we NOT bend all our efforts to achieving a just
> > settlement, given that our own security is at stake?
> > > > >
>  Correct.  And that sometimes means we will have
>  to be TOUGH with one or both sides.  WILL we?

I think we have to.  In the end, even if one is partisan, it is no kindness
to the side one favors if one supports acts and means that do not lead to
peace.
>
> > VH> Believe, me, I do what I can.
> > >
>  Good.  For all we know, you are having an effect.  I
>  have seen comments by some pols that the settle-
>  ments need to be dismantled.
>
At the same time, we need to use our growing leverage in the Muslim world
to reduce the threat to Israel.
>


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