PALESTINIAN SUPPORT

By now most have seen the various statements and demonstrations of support to the Palestinian cause in the wake of the attacks on Israel on Saturday by Hamas terrorists.  We have a long history in this country, that is true in other democracies around the world, to tolerate opposing views and protect free speech.  Freedom of speech is so important that it is the very first amendment to our Constitution.  As we have evolved there have been countless battles over the concept of free speech.  The many times tough decisions that have been made by the courts in adjudicating conflicting parties are sometimes tough to take and even perplexing, but protecting the freedom of speech is something we continue to hold dear.

Depending on the news channel you regularly watch, you've likely seen coverage of some of the demonstrations in the streets or written statements from various institutions and individuals supporting the cause of the Palestinians.  If you know what the history of the conflict between the Jews and the Palestinians is, then you know that there are no easy answers.  Picking one side or the other is just human nature and there are myriad of reasons why people will do that.  Personal history, exposure to current events, social pressure, and what you are exposed to in your every day activities might contribute to where you stand.  The vast majority of people will go about their lives, discuss these things with family or friends, and develop thoughts and opinions that are personal, not necessarily public.  But some feel a need or a calling to explicitly state their feelings in public.  And with the dedication we have to freedom of speech, they are protected to do that.  

But in a real sense, the aftermath of the attacks by Hamas into Israel and the subsequent massacres have changed the dynamic.  As the horrific images have been displayed on TV for all to see, watching the same demonstrations or statements for Palestine is hard to take.  Seeing some of the things that the terrorists have done and anticipating the terrible days ahead, it's difficult to reconcile that with statements of support.  My first inclination was outrage, but then I thought of the complexity of the issue and could understand it if someone didn't quite understand the horrifying reality that unfolded when the attacks came.  But once that reality set in, I can't understand persisting with demonstrations of support.  Some who have issued those statements have reconsidered and rescinded them.  I hope some who have initially instinctively participated in such a demonstration have reconsidered and will not voice those sentiments again.  Because what has happened has been characterized as the second Holocaust and there is certainly some truth to that.  

Another thing that is hard to fathom is the calls for a cease fire and for negotiations to begin.  Once again, seeing the images emerging from Southern Israel this can't happen.  The Israelis will not in any conceivable way countenance a cease fire.  They will go to Gaza for retribution and revenge and it will be ugly.  Simple as that.

Of all the things I've seen in the realm of supporting the Palestinians and Hamas, this image might be the worst.  If you've watched at all you know that terrorists dropped from the air in paragliders and massacred hundreds of people at a concert in Southern Israel.  It was depravity on an unprecedented scale.  To celebrate that act with a trite graphic is disgusting.  That BLM thought that appropriate is just another indicator of the rot, moral bankruptcy and opportunism of that disgusting organization.  Shame on them.

The good news is that as the shock has worn off demonstrations of support for Israel agains the atrocities of Hamas have started to take shape.  Last night in San Diego there was a demonstration of support at the local Jewish Community Center and it drew 5000 people of all stripes.  It was a heartwarming show of support.  To the average person there is a feeling of frustration at not being able to "do something".  I would recommend that wherever you live if you see a gathering like the one I described to show support, show up.  Lend your voice and show your support.  It really goes back to the old saying, "all it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing".