RS> Helen Thomas has retired, mostly due to a really stupid
 RS> remark she made about Israel.

 It was professionally stupid to say it. Don't forget, though,
 the real issue is whether or not peace can be achieved between
 Israel and Palestine. Such peace requires bringing the refugees
 home. Which means a place has to be found for them.

 And that means what Israel is doing is not going to lead to
 peace. Until the reconstruction of Palestine, and home for the
 Palestinian refugees is found, Israel is not a viable state.

 A democracy cannot survive in a constant state of war, and there
 will be no end to war until the problems of the Palestinians are
 solved.

 Isreal will not be Israel as anthing but a democracy.

 What she said is not realistic, but it expresses the frustration
 with a state of war that has lasted over 60 years. And no one is
 actually working for real and lasting peace.

 I believe the entire situation can be solved, Israel live in
 peace and security, the Palestinians live in peace and
 prosperity, and justice be achieved for all.

 BUT!

 It will not be cheap, it will be hellaciously expensive, and it
 will require a lot of moral courage from *OUTSIDERS* more than
 from those directly involved.

 That is what I don't see happening.

 If it doesn't, I believe Israel will not survive.

 RS> Considering Thomas is 89, I think she should have retired
 RS> years ago anyway.

 Why? She was the only journalist in the Whitehouse press pool
 able and willing to call out the president. Being 89 does not
 mean she cannot do the job.

 ...

 See the tagline.

BOB KLAHN bob.klahn{at}sev.org   http://home.toltbbs.com/bobklahn

... If you want peace, work for justice. <- Pope John Paul II
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