Editor,
The correct response to Hamas's sworn determination to destroy Israel can be found in the film "12 Angry Men" starring Henry Fonda, made in 1957. It is in the public domain, and you can watch it for free on YouTube.
The movie portrays the deliberations of a jury in which all but one member assume the defendant is guilty for reasons not substantiated by the facts revealed at trial. One of the debates in the movie revolves around the accused having argued with the victim the day of the murder and shouted at him "I'll kill you!"
Henry Fonda asks whether no one has ever used those words in the heat of verbal battle. Readers of the NY Times might like to claim they never have, but if you think back to your childhood, you might surprise yourself.
Leaving aside all of the chicken-and-egg argumentation on both sides of this depressingly long conflict, the fact is that Hamas does have legitimate grievances.
They might even wish that they could wipe Israel off the map. I know I would be happy if I could make the Republican party disappear (without shooting rockets at anyone, mind you).
But wishing you could destroy someone or something, or shouting your wish in frustration, does not mean that you can.
If the object of that wish knows that it is impossible to be annihilated by a weaker antagonist, then, in the interest of peace, the stronger, in my ethical universe, is obligated to discuss the weaker's grievances sincerely and with empathy.
Re: "A New Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire" (11/22/2012)
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