I’m not a political or religious blogger – but I’ve been wanting to say something about the current Israeli/Hezbollah situation in the Middle East. Either way, I’m going to catch flames for bringing it up – even though I can’t turn around without reading or hearing running commentary. Ponzi and I have certainly discussed it in private, but I just wanted to point out something that Dave wrote last night. He says Israel is Wrong. This is Dave’s position, and I believe it’s important enough to share:

Hezbollah has every right to have defenses against Israel. If I’m not mistaken, Hezbollah didn’t start firing rockets into Israel until they were attacked by Israel. Okay, they took two Israeli soldiers hostage. And now Israel has killed hundreds of Lebanese, destroyed large parts of the country and its infrastructure. It’s enough already. Even a Jew like myself sees how wrong the Israeli position is.

I’m not over there, I’m not fighting a war, I’m not in the military, I’m not Israeli, I’m not Lebanese, I’m not a Muslim, I’m not Jewish, I’m not Christian, I’m not a Bhuddist, etc. – but I hope to “God” that these conflicts end before someone drops a nuke. There’s a time to fight for what you believe is right, and there comes a time when that very fight is taken too far – like when non-threatening persons are eliminated. Watch this video – I don’t think it’s appeared on any American networks.

Your twisted Austin Powers quote for the day is: “There are only two things I can’t stand in this world: people who are intolerant of other people’s religions… and religion.”

UPDATE: I have a solution! What we could do is blow each other up – every person on the planet. Nobody should survive if this is done right. We can toss bombs at one other until we’ve eliminated every last human being on Earth. I’m game if you are! I’m willing to make that sacrifice (and sacrifice everybody else in the process). Are you ready? I bet we could find some cheap explosives on eBay or something (so long as nobody goes to war with them first). Now, the only question that remains: who’s going to shoot first? I’ll fight you for the right to shoot first, and shoot you first even if you win. Let’s all just blow each other up – seriously. It’ll be the ultimate flame war. Everybody wins and loses at the same time. Awesome.

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From Eisenhower’s farewell speech…

Throughout America’s adventure in free government, our basic purposes have been to keep the peace; to foster progress in human achievement, and to enhance liberty, dignity and integrity among people and among nations. To strive for less would be unworthy of a free and religious people. Any failure traceable to arrogance, or our lack of comprehension or readiness to sacrifice would inflict upon us grievous hurt both at home and abroad.

…and…

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.

…followed immediately thereafter by…

We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.

Keep in mind that Eisenhower was a five-star general, folks.

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I was listening to Wait Wait on my way to Caffe Vita, listening to the part of the show where they tell three strange-but-possibly-true stories. The first tale claimed that DARPA was investigating the idea of using canons to launch soldiers to the top of buildings quicker. If there’s a case for military overspending, this is it. We’re actually considering turning our defense department into a three-ring circus. Some would argue this happened years ago. Who’s the ring leader? Growing up, we already had a class clown. I had to settle for class bearded lady.

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