In continuing with my discussion on Ron Paul's book, Revolution, I think that it is relevant to point out his short but effective stint on U.S. foreign policy concerning Israel.
While Dr. Paul believes that the U.S. relationship should stay steady, he also believes that the U.S. should not show special favors or aid. He also thinks that the U.S. should discontinue aid to Israeli rivals as well. Now, this is not inferring humanitarian assistance from non-governmental groups, rather a transfer of wealth from the U.S. Federal Government directly.
Paul states, "In the absence of such grants, Israel would at last be under pressure to adopt a freer economy, thereby bring about greater prosperity for her people and making it easier for her to be self-reliant."
In other words- the U.S. is enabling Israel to use its government like a crutch. With access to nuclear power and weaponry; it is unfortunate that Israel would rush to seek the approval for military action at all. Paul continues to discuss the idea that America is doing Israel a "dis-service" by getting in the way of her status as a "sovereign" nation.
He says Israel needs to take control of its own fate and destiny.
Paul's point of view may be radical, but it should be noted. I find it ironic that many Americans, particularly of religious thinking believe that Israel can do no wrong and that the Palestinian community are "the bad guys." The truth is, neither side is flawless. Both have grievances that date back to biblical beginnings. And since Israel today, is often backed by a superpower, their governmental responsibility becomes greater in how they extend borders, create peace or lack thereof, or divide land among the people groups that occupy the area. Either way, hostility grows among Palestinians b/c of American influence in the Israeli state.
As a side note- I wonder what spiritual ramifications are being perpetrated due to the co-dependent relationship Israel has with the United States.
Food for thought.
Its similar to the arguments against welfare. ESPECIALLY when the bestower of welfare is impersonally large. Little does welfare benefit someone living in poverty when it is simply a check in the mail. I mean, it does benefit financially, but its use as a crutch is an obvious social reality and not to mention, i've wondered before if we should consider poverty (as jesus defined it) as a term as dependent on financial situations as emotional. I think jesus would have said the person's emotional status is more important than financial. help the person personally, and they will find their way out. Kind of like the "give a man a fish vs. teach a man to fish" analogy.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, i think in terms of nations, its more along the lines of the crutch mentality. Its hard to talk about a collective society in terms of its "emotional state of being".
I agree with Dr. Paul, btw.
And i'll refrain from bashing the christian community and its support of Isreal as a way of "ushering on the second coming". I have better things to consume my time with than that.
Good post, Ash, :)
thanks amos. certainly i think these points should be dually noted.
ReplyDeleteas for welfare, it's an entirely broken system. why i don't disagree with helping unfortunates out, the system needs to be revamped..."ok citizen, we'll give you six mo. on welfare, in this amt of time you must obtain a job etc...here are some resources to get you started," or something similar. and certainly as a nation our attitude toward israel should have some sort of ultimatum as well.
Hi Ash, great post. I don't think Dr. Paul's point is as radical as it is sensible. I was pretty irritated that the VP debate took up so much time on Israel when they could've talked more about our own national security. Especially when other rogue nations are so much closer to nuking us than others.
ReplyDeleteWe could stand a little more attention to nurturing all but decimated relationships with other important allies as well.
On the other front, I think the situation with welfare isn't as simple as ultimatums. Things like access to education, sex education, vocational training, living wage, etc., etc., are also keys to preventing continued disaster. You know, valuing life outside the womb and all that... Our country has the most shameful poverty rate in the developed world.
Again, great post.
Cheers,
Kim
I do agree with that point Kim, on the VP debate & Israel. Certainly if we changed the course of our foreign policy, things like national defense and domestic security would be easier to focus on. Paul talked about the fact that we have troops in over 130 countries and being spread so thin affects our national defense system.
ReplyDelete