By J. F. Kelly, Jr.
Anti-Israeli protesters across the nation reacted to the unprecedented drone and missile attack against Israel by blocking bridges and highways and shouting death to Americans and Jews. The protestors were for the most part Americans also, actually calling for the death of their fellow Americans. I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived for over 93 years during which I have seen fifteen American presidents come and go. Never during that time have I seen such hatred directed toward one’s own country and countrymen.
Such behavior would never be tolerated in many other countries. One wonders why it is tolerated here. Freedom of speech does not include the right to shout “Fire!” in a crowded theatre as Justice Oliver Wendall Holmes, Jr. once opined. This is purely and simply hate speech. How, then, should patriots who love their country react? Those of us who served in the armed forces took a solemn pledge to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic. If you hate America are you not its enemy?
Israel has been a target of hatred and violence by most of its Muslim neighbors since its inception as a Jewish state. The latest act of violence was the massive drone and missile attack of April 13. More than 300 drones and cruise and ballistic missiles were fired indiscriminately from Iran across Jordan into Israel. Most were shot down by Israel’s air defense system assisted by American and other friendly forces. No one was killed, thanks to these defenses, but those drones and missiles were designed to kill civilians. They were used in retaliation for an attack on an Iranian embassy which killed an Iranian general. The attack, attributed to Israel, was a surgical strike, designed to avoid civilian casualties. Iran’s attack, on the other hand, consisted of a swarm of drones and missiles fired indiscriminately into Israel, designed to kill civilians. The fact that they failed should not lessen Iran’s liability or make it less of a war crime.
Ever the loyal friend and ally, President Joe Biden immediately cautioned Israeli Prime Minister against retaliating, making it clear that we would take no part in it if he did. “Take the victory,” he was quoted as advising Netanyahu. Others described the engagement as a win for each side. What utter nonsense. This is not a win/win situation. A war of survival such as Israel is fighting does not end in a mutual victory when one side is dedicated to the total destruction of the other.
Superior American and Israeli technology was on display during this encounter. No one died but thousands could have, likely resulting, in a major war. Israel would not go quietly nor will it decline to retaliate. How could it? The next attack, if not deterred, may be successful. Moreover, Iran is getting closer than ever to becoming a nuclear power, thanks to the feckless behavior of successive U.S. administrations determined to negotiate with the mullahs an end to their quest for nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons in the hands of irrational mullahs dedicated to the destruction of Americans and Jews and placing the American homeland at risk would be a game changer.
Nations will inevitably act in their own self-interest. Tehran believes that it is in their best interest to become a nuclear power and to dominate the Middle East, a Middle East without Israel or an American presence. Ours and Israel’s is to prevent that from happening by whatever it takes. If we fail the future will be bleak for peace in the region. I have little confidence in Mr. Biden’s ability to deter our enemies or reassure our allies. His latest tough-guy threat, “Don’t”, comes across more like a plea to “quit picking on us”, words the schoolyard bully loves to hear from his victims.
Where are the leaders in this land that I love? Americans deserve better choices in November.
April 24, 2024
Commentaries by J. F. Kelly, Jr. 