Thank You Mr. President

(Thank You Mr. President)

Helen Thomas was an American journalistic institution. She was White House correspondent for UPI (United Press International). Thomas had her own seat front corner seat for Presidential press conferences and it was her prerogative to conclude the session. She stands and says "Thank you Mister President." Thomas held that esteemed position for many years. Then she made a comment about Israel, that Jews should get out of Palestine. She was then fired by UPI.


The pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel sentiments are curious. Demonstrations are erupting globally and also on American college campuses. By now, anybody with a TV has seen the brutality of the war and has heard of the casualties. These realities are, by and large, being rejected by the demonstrators, citing Israel propaganda among other things. Now, in another context, these same people would largely be leftists. A visible example of this is the comments by Congresswoman Rashida Talib (D-MN) who refused to believe the hospital that was hit still by Israeli rockets, though evidence to the contrary has been presented. 


Those who are decidedly NOT leftists would be the agitators in the Near East itself. Demonstrations in Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo and so on are meant to show solidarity with Hamas and the general Palestinian cause. The easiest way for these demonstrations to be curbed, both there and here, would be for Israel to finally launch its Gaza offensive and remove Hamas, literally and figuratively. as an issue.


A continued delay only worsens Israel's tactical position. There of course is the hostage issue and as time goes on, the chances of their recovery are becoming increasingly problematic. Retrieving these captives would be a welcome outcome but such best-case scenarios are sufficiently rare and should not interfere with the original mission. The best outcome would be the quick reduction of Hamas and a quick occupation of Gaza.


This episode indicates more than anything else of the need of a clear Administration policy towards the Near East, Support of Israel must be to the exclusion of support for all Palestinian elements, especially Hamas and Hezbollah. Any funding for Palestinian interests must cease. Now, President Biden is set to speak this evening on what he plans for Israel and probably Ukraine. If he can be sufficiently coherent, he should offer un-equivocal support for Israel and what steps his Administration will be taking in aid in that effort and also warn off Iran to not get further involved and for the other players to stand down their own efforts.


However, as has been said, the requirements for the President would be to show leadership. Any speech tonight will need to reflect those qualities. If Biden seems strong and decisive, then, like Helen Thomas, one could say:


Thank you, Mr. President.

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