The spoils of endless war go to the powerful on both sides.
In ever increasing concentration.
There is shift from the philosophy: "With power comes responsibility" to the philosophy "ultimate power corrupts ultimately"
I have been very optimistic about the future of the US, about how our slide to dictatorship will be curbed by the people.
Now I am not so sure.
This current eruption of violence in the Middle East may be a a critical time in history for the United States.
Let me start with a comment I made in another's diary.
Here's the equation:
Hezbollah attacks Israel
Israel bombs the heck out of Lebannon
Arab world gets pissed
Hezbollah extremists get more support and POWER
Israeli extremists get more support and POWER.
Everything falls apart in the Middle East, but there is no accountability because no one can see past fear and hate.
Kind of like what happened in the US after 9/11.
When the people of the world are motivated by fear and hate, we make bad choices. We all do (as a people).
That is why we have extremists in charge in Iran, the United States and Israel.
The Hezbollah action motivated the Israelis.
The Israeli response may motivate the Arab world against Israel and, in turn, against the U.S.
Will we be hit again? I don't know.
If we are, will we make the same mistake of hiring another bellicose leader? Paging Dr. Stranglove.
Or will we be able to step back, and remember the actions of Bill Clinton in smoothing ruffled feathers...and vote for a leader who can use Diplomacy.
In short: will we run screaming into this as participants, or will we enter as peacemakers?
I am sick with worry.
Cross-posted on www.myleftwing.com