Reply #10: What is the cost ?

[ex_jew]

Perhaps I'm hysterical, but...

We've taken Israel's side against the Arabs for many years. Now the Arabs have apparently decided to attack us as well (9/11). Our government responds by substantially weakening our Constitution and acting in such a way that the rest of the world sees us a threat. Call me hysterical, but I charge at least part of this situation to Israel's existence. And perhaps I'm too concerned about my own welfare and that of my country, but this cost seems quite high.

Of course our support for Israel is not the only thing responsible for the mess we're embroiled in, but it's not making things any better. If Israel did not exist, perhaps we could calmly do business in the Gulf, rather than manufacturing threats that do not exist.

As to the words of Washington, I don't believe he would necessarily believe that involvement in the UN, with NATO, and with regional trade pacts to be "entanglements". If I make a contract with you for our joint benefit, are we thereby "entangled" ? Not as I see it. But if the advantage is all or substantially one-directional, not "at arms-length" as they say in real estate, then there is peril.

Good luck with your turkey !