Bits & Pieces

Israel vs Hamas: Every attempt at long term peace in Israel with Gaza has failed. A spoiler always appeared to dash hopes of peace. Often the dasher was Netanyahu. And his supporters allowed that to happen over and over again. First, he would promise no new settlements of Israelis in Gaza. Later he would renege on that promise. Build and then not build. On and off again and again.

The message was clear. Deal with me now but I will change the conditions and undo our agreements.

This is the pattern of Israeli negotiations for many years. That and huge support financially and militarily from the USA. That pretty much cemented Israel’s position. They could do no wrong.

Until now. So, Hamas makes a sneak attack on Israel? And Israel attacks in full war mode? Were they just waiting for this to do their mighty military punishment? Yes, I think so. Netanyahu’s political support has always been engineered on the tough guy image with military action the promised club.

When Israel gets serious about negotiations and keeps their promises, then, and only then, will peace be possible. A huge step forward would be including all of Gaza into Israel and allowing free movement throughout the land of all people. Chancy? Yes. But it also demonstrates clearly the freedom and equality of all her people. Allowing Palestinians to attend Israeli schools, train for better jobs and careers, and participating fully in the nation’s life is the only workable step forward. And yet this has not been done. Talked about, yes, but never done. Why is that?

Could it be long term hostilities over culture and religion hold the trump card? I understand this, but surely the parties realize that only true peace happens when everyone lives and works together despite the hostilities.

If we really want to save lives and improve living conditions in Gaza, it will mean taking down the borders and counting all people as Israelis. Purists need not apply for this tough job. True leadership demands this.

House Speakership: The Speaker of the House is the organizer, planner and leader of the House of Representatives. The position requires a person who can compromise and respect differences among members. The position needs a person of principle and vision, always focused on the long-term outcomes wished for. Petty politics does not promise success in the job. In fact, it will lead to abject failure. We have seen this over and over again.

Current times demonstrate political quackery. Conservative? What does that really mean. Liberal or progressive? Again, what do they mean? Party labels do not provide clarity either. We are people with a large complex of issues, feelings and philosophies about them all. None are clearly one thing or the other. That is a normal thing and should be expected.

The speaker who can maintain order and still get along with most people, will be a successful speaker. That person will not naturally evolve from the current climate of American governance. Just the opposite has been produced. Change that and we can hopefully expect much better results.

Outcomes matter. They can be envisioned and worked for. Maybe Congress should rethink its function? For now, they are deeply failed. That result falls on all of us. Elect people who will reflect this reality and we might have a chance at a government that works intelligently for us all.

October 16, 2023

 

 

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