Israel, Palestine and the Middle East
On national security, and more broadly with the global War on Terror, the best way to ensure peace for our families is to ensure freedom for others. This means encouraging the development of democracy wherever we can, even if it takes the remainder of the century. Democracies, at least in the modern era, just do not go to war with one another.
And this is why I believe it is critical for our nation to continue to support Israel: It is the only functioning democracy in the Middle East, and serves as a powerful example of human ingenuity in turning a land with few resources into a prosperous, free-market country. It has no oil to tap - only its human potential - and it does this well through freedom, education, rule of law and good governance.
Is this to say Israel, as a close and valued ally, is without problems? No, of course not, and neither are we. But, as democracies, we maintain a monopoly on having a proven track record of regular, peaceful changes of power, the protection of those in the minority (politically or otherwise), and we have proven to be the most stable in the long-term. Democratic societies, including Israel, have groups whose sole mission is to critically analyze and discuss government policy. If anything is too far off the mark, then political winds shift, and either the policy changes or the governing party does. Non-democracies do not do this.
In order for there to be peace in the Holy Land, the end-state needs to be two independent countries living harmoniously side-by-side. Israel should not be asked to compromise on security, but viable compromises to bring about that security will be necessary. The disposition of borders, water rights and economic concerns will all need extensive mutual compromise.
In regards to the culturally and historically-rich city of Jerusalem, as a City Councilman, I understand the difficulties of running a city, and believe Jerusalem, as an undivided entity, should be governed by a proven democracy that will protect it. Jerusalem’s archaeological, cultural and religious sites need the highest levels of preservation, its inhabitants deserve the prosperity only a free-market democracy can provide and the city itself deserves the competent administration of its services and infrastructure that are best provided by a mature democracy – Israel.
Regarding the people of the Palestinian Territories – they deserve the freedom and prosperity that can come to them if they choose wise leaders and the path of democracy and non-violence. I sincerely hope they do so, because we are beginning to witness a fourth generation of their suffering, and it should not turn into five. But the choice remains with the Palestinians – Israel has made peace with Egypt and Jordan, and if provided a willing partner, can do so with the Palestinian Territories as well. The Palestinian people deserve to live in a free, prosperous, independent democratic state, living in harmony with its neighbors. But that choice belongs only to the Palestinian people, for they choose their leaders.
As for the broader Middle East, the writing is on the wall: non-democracies do not survive the long-term, no matter how much wealth they have to disperse to their masses. Europe had many centuries of monarchies, talented and foolish, rich and poor, and the only families still maintaining a throne today ceded their power to their people. Those that did not ended up like the Romanovs or the House of Bourbon – dead in the streets, exiled and often penniless. If you wish your families centuries of peace and prestige, give power and responsibility to your people – they are smarter than you give them credit for.
CHOOSE ANOTHER ISSUE:
Securing America's Borders
Fighting the Global War on Terror
The Middle East
Uniting America with One Language: Official English
Standing Up for the Second Amendment
Defending Traditional Marriage and Protecting Life
Preserving America's Leadership in Space
Protecting America's Farmers
Reforming the Tax Code: Abolishing the IRS