LA Mayor - It's Okay to Shoot Back!

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa issued a statement earlier saying, "every country has a right to defend itself against attacks from a foreign enemy. Every nation is obligated to beat back forces dedicated to its destruction. And Israel cannot sit silently while innocent civilians are attacked. During this trying time in the Middle East, I hope all people -- regardless of race, religion or creed -- will join me in praying for peace, for an end to hostilities, and for a halt to violence on all sides."

Flawed thinking ... that violence will bring peace ... never has, never will. In one moment, justifying violence and then praying for peace. Sort of like pulling the trigger on your neighbor and then praying for your neighbor's health.

Only justice can bring peace. Peace is not an entity in and of itself; peace is a by-product, a result. If justice is missing, there can never be peace.

But only continuing violence - strike and strike back.

Villaraigosa's logic fits every situation, including that of the Palestinians who believe they have a right to strike Israel, because of Israel's oppressive policies. 

It's been noted that Israel decided to do this while war-mongering Bush remains in office - neither Bush nor his Neo-Con goons will ever figure this one out - the only language they speak is the language of power and domination - what they hope to do is defeat the real logic of life - those who live by the sword die by the sword.

Every empire, every dictator, every aggressive nation, has sought to defeat this logic, but the logic of the sword is built into the fabric of life - those who choose violence to promote peace on their own terms will never find it.

Israel has become a rogue nation with Uncle Sam's blessing ... and if anyone thinks Israel will succeed this time, then I've got a bridge to sell you.

As for our mayor, just words to placate a powerful lobby. After all, this isn't Detroit with a huge Arab population. Wonder what he'd say there. Too bad the truth dissolves in the acids of political expediency.

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Huffington Post article by Marty Kaplan - excellent - the "cost" of victory.