An open letter to President Bush

Dear President Bush,

The news on the radio yesterday and today moves me to write. I think it said “Twelve Palestinians were killed in an Israeli attack to force the release of a captured Israeli soldier,” and today “Eight Israeli soldiers were killed during an Israeli attack in Lebanon to stop terrorist rocket attacks on Israel,” and “Seventy Palestinians, fighters and civilians, have been killed, and critical utilities destroyed by recent fighting in Gaza Territories.” It’s obvious to me that this unending cycle of attack and retaliation is an important source of hatred toward America.

In the past we supplied the latest weapons to Israel and allowed them to produce atomic bombs. We continue to send large amounts of aid for their civilian and military programs, we send tourists, have relatives there, have strong religious, political and social ties. It’s clear that we could influence them, but we don’t.

We should use heavy-handed diplomacy and sanctions to stop Israeli military actions, then move American equipment and civilians into Arab border areas to repair and improve utilities destroyed by Israel, then try to establish best-compromise borders with Israel. Success here could lead to success with Iraq and Iran and will discourage terrorism everywhere.