The American Spectator

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(Page 3 of 11)

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I'll grant Mr. Sherman's idea of reparations for relocating is novel as I have never heard it before. But there is a problem with this plan. Any host country that would look at the history of this little band will note that they have been kicked out of Lebanon and Jordan. Why would any reasonable leadership in any host country accept such a risk being the third one at bat? Regardless of the capital infusion it represents most, I think, would decline such an offer due to the downstream consequences of having to kick them out at some point.

Look, from where I see it the majority of the Palestinians are a productive people. But they have been hijacked by a small elite that usurp their future by taking profit from it. Do they deserve statehood? Probably. As the wall goes up around Israel it is a de facto admission of such by the state of Israel. And as Arafat can no longer divert the people's eyes by blowing up children the populace will look inward and start to question. Until the Palestinians themselves flush Arafat their travails will continue.

p>One last observation. I find it interesting that given Jewish history that a plan would be proposed that essentially cast the Palestinians to the corners of the earth like chaff from wheat. Given Israel's birth and history it is an ironic parallel that does not resolve the underlying problem that only the Palestinians can solve. br> -- John McGinnis br> Arlington, Texas /p>

The solution to the "Palestinian" problem reminded me of E-mails I sent to President Bush a few years ago.

After visiting Israel several years ago (my mother was born in Jerusalem in 1901 and many of my relatives live throughout Israel) and discussing the political situation now and when the country was under British mandate, I reached the same conclusion you did -- that although native Arabs may want a "State," their corrupt leadership's sole intent in the demise of Israel, for a Democracy in the area was intolerable. Also, even though Jews and Moslems worked together during British rule, they never trusted each other.

I proposed to the President a solution that included a land buyout and resettlement of the Arabs to a new area in south Saudi Arabia complete with new housing constructed jointly by the Israelis and Arabs. The benefits include a fresh start, modern facilities, employment in building a new country, and elimination of a political cauldron. The Israelis could assist in providing technology in science and agriculture. Of course, this proposal requires the cooperation of the Saudis and competent leadership among the parties.

I have visited and observed the relocation of millions of people today in China as part of the Yangze Dam project. The people are objecting but have no choice. Nevertheless, the people will benefit in the longer run.

p>I received two standard "Thank you" E-mails from the President's office, but was otherwise ignored. br> -- David Smith

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