by Clifford F. Thies

In a simplification riddled with errors, President Barack Obama has called for a withdrawal of Israel to the so-called 1967 borders, sometimes called the Green Line, along with something he described as "swaps." While the exact borders are not important, what would be important is an agreement between two parties, if such a thing is possible. But, such a thing might not be possible, in which case a unilaterally-imposed solution (a la Gaza) or a third party-imposed solution, might be the best that is possible. But, we should not be naive about this.

First, the President's reference to the 1967 borders is a useful but essentially arbitrary reference. The 1967 borders were the result of attempts by Arabs to drive Israel into the sea that backfired in the sense that Israel each time pushed its borders outward. In 1947, the Jewish state was little more than a sliver of land purchased by various Zionists from various Arabs over the preceding century, most of these transactions being with absentee landlords and via third-parties. In the 1949 armistice ending that war, Israel's borders were pushed out to the Green Line. In 1967, in the "Six Day War," Israel again emerged victorious in another existential war with the Arabs. Its borders were pushed out in several directions. The same thing happened in the 1973 "Yom Kippur War."

For two very important reasons, Israel did not absorb the territories conquered in the latter two wars. First, Israel elected to use the land as so many bargaining chips in negotiating peace treaties the aim of which was to put an end to the series of wars between it and the Arabs. Subsequently, peace treaties were negotiated with Egypt and Jordan, but notably not with Syria.

Second, Israel did not want to absorb so many Palestinian Arabs as citizens, making Jewish Israelis into a minority; nor would Israel countenance the establishment of an apartheid regime in which some citizens were second class citizens. As to what this implied for the people living in Gaza and the West Bank was not clear. Among the possibilities were for Egypt to absorb Gaza, and Jordan the West Bank. But, no, both Egypt and Jordan renounced any claim over those territories. So, implicitly, the region was set on the path of a two-state solution, one predominantly Jewish and secular and the other Arab and - as things have turned out with the almost complete disappearance of the formerly vibrant Palestinian Christian community - Muslim.

Late in the 1970s, President Carter of the U.S., in the famous Camp David Accords, gained a commitment of Israel and the late Yassir Arafat to a two-state solution. The negotiators, at the time, imagined such things as negotiation of highway and other links crossing Israel connecting the two parts of Palestine, shared water rights, what consideration might be offered for dismantling Israeli settlements within the occupied territories, conditions under which Arabs who fled Israel might return and/or compensation for the loss of their property, and "the final status" of Jerusalem. But, Israel, which was able to forge peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, was not able forge a peace treaty with Palestine.

In 2005, Israel adopted a new tactic: unilateral withdrawal from Gaza. Instead of negotiating a peace treaty, Israel simply withdrew from the place, bull-dozed its settlements there, forbid the employment of citizens of Gaza by Israelis, and basically said to hell with you. The economy of the place quickly fell apart, becoming little more than a refugee camp writ large subsisting on foreign aid and charity. And then came the rocket attacks, which were answered by swift although measured retaliation. Gaza today joins Somalia, Yemen and several other "failed states" in the Muslim world.

Turning to Jerusalem, the Green Line would put return the Old City to Arab control. We suspect that, if this were done, the Palestinians would proceed to desecrate the non-Muslim holy places there, as the Jordanians did when they controlled the Old City from 1949 to 1967. In contrast, after Israel gain control of East Jerusalem in 1967, it restored the Christian and Jewish places in the Old City and preserved the Muslim Quarter and the Dome of the Rock under Muslim control. The U.N. has declared Israel's unilateral action in declaring Jerusalem to be re-unified and the capital of Israel, for which we have some sympathy given the agreement by all the parties to the Camp David Accords that the final status of Jerusalem was still to be decided by negotiation.

After more than forty years since Camp David, humanity cries out for some kind of resolution, even if imposed by third-parties. I don't think any of the parties to the Camp David Agreements envisioned that it would take as long as it has taken and that we are still no closerto a peace treaty than we were back then except that Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza. Obviously, the concepts of two intertwined states is not going to happen any time soon. The borders that would be imposed will be marked by a security fence. The feckless or even complicit government of Palestine will not stop the rocket attacks by radical Muslims operating with their territory and will have to elicit the appropriate response. Any Christian Arabs and holy places of Christianity and Judaism within the confines of Palestine will have a tenuous existence. There will not be any "swaps," as that presupposes negotiation concerning which we have forty years of experience with the Palestinians, unless the "swaps" are included in the imposed settlement. So, what about swapping part of East Jerusalem for the Jewish settlements within the West Bank, enough to push the Green Line to the Old City, along with a denationalized Old City, like Vatican City in Rome, to be ruled by representatives of the three great religions which so love that city?

by Wayne Allyn Root

Just days ago, because of the weak GOP field, I wrote that Obama was the favorite for re-election. Thursday that all changed. Obama's ego and hatred of Israel could not allow him to play possum for another eighteen months when he'd be re-elected. He could then unleash the full extent of his anti-capitalism, anti-American, anti-Israel venom without having to ever face American voters again. But, like all radical true believers, his hatred is so extreme he couldn't wait. He's been so indoctrinated by communist organizers, Marxist professors, terrorist sympathizers, and radical Muslim apologists, that he just couldn't contain himself.

On Thursday, Obama left no doubt that he sides with and wants to redistribute money from American taxpayers to Palestinians and radical Muslims like Hamas that target Israeli women and children...that encourage their own children to become suicide bombers...that hand out candy in celebration for the murder of an innocent Jewish baby...that force women to endure public lashings for disobeying a husband...that execute women for "allowing themselves" to be gang-raped...that pour acid on the face of little girls who dare to want an education...who throw gay men off the roofs of buildings...who marry off their 5-year-old daughters to pay the bills...who imprison all women for life behind dark veils in 120 degree heat, to keep them from being seen by other men.

Obama wants to redistribute your taxpayer money to radicals who attack churches and murder Christians. He wants more foreign aid for Egypt, a country headed for domination by the Muslim Brotherhood, an ally of Nazis in WWII. That is who Obama has chosen to side with over a modern, capitalist, American-loving Israeli society with democracy, freedom and equality for men, women, gays, and Arabs.

MITT ROMNEY

“President Obama has thrown Israel under the bus. He has disrespected Israel and undermined its ability to negotiate peace. He has also violated a first principle of American foreign policy, which is to stand firm by our friends.”

MICHELE BACHMANN

"Today President Barack Obama has again indicated that his policy towards Israel is to blame Israel first. In a shocking display of betrayal towards our ally, President Obama is now calling on Israel to give up yet more land and return to its 1967 borders. If there is anything that has been proven, the policy of land-for-peace has meant that Israel has continually had to give away increasing amounts of its land and decrease its size. In exchange, it still has not known security. President Obama wants to further this policy by putting Israel in a very vulnerable position with borders that would be extremely difficult to defend.

I am calling on President Obama to reverse course and clearly renounce the position which he spelled out today. This is an insult to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu..."

TIM PAWLENTY

“President Obama’s insistence on a return to the 1967 borders is a mistaken and very dangerous demand. A disaster waiting to happen...”

HERMAN CAIN

“I was shocked at the president's position, and I was equally shocked that he suggested that Israel move the borders back.

I’d tell the world, ‘If you mess with Israel, you mess with the United States.’”

Quotes compiled from The State out of Columbia, SC and Gateway Pundit.

From Cliff Thies:

On Sunday, May 20th, Zapatero's Socialist Party will probably lose massively in state and municipal elections across Spain. Combined with their loss of Barcelona last year, the Socialists will find themselves reduced to opposition status in all of Spain's major cities and most of its states and autonomous regions.

To try to stem the hemorrhaging, Zapatero has already announced that he will not seek another term as Prime Minister in next year's national election. The Socialists are hoping that the voters of Spain will choose his number two man and a continued prostrate economy, with 20 percent unemployment, rather than the ignominy of Mariano Rajoy (foto) of the center-right People's Party, whom they consider deficient in charisma.

Gracias por el foto a laverdad.es

Newt's "The Dancing Queen"

From Cliff Thies:

Republican retread Newt Gingrich's speech in Iowa was interrupted when somebody's ringtone went off, to the tune of "The Dancing Queen." It was his own.

From the Des Moines Register:

The song is from the musical “Mamma Mia.” Gingrich said later that he is a big fan of the movie version, starring Meryl Streep, and that his wife, Callista, warned him that the ringtone was going to get him in trouble.

“It’s just fun,” Gingrich said.

Talk about being a gaffe machine. Maybe Newt is thinking he could be Vice President, like Joe Biden.

Photo credit - CinemaBlend from the Broadway version of Mama Mia.

From Eric Dondero:

A gas station in Columbia, South Carolina has changed its name to the "Obama Station." There's a large photo of Obama. And the 'O' insignia from the '08 campaign adorns the overhead awnings.

But what may be surprising some South Carolinians, both black and white, and may be getting some liberal media scratching their heads, was a bit of a blooper made by the owner in an on-camera interview with Live5 News.

Alhanik has only owned this station for two months. Although born in Yemen, he says he supports America’s president. “It’s the first president of black people,” he said. “It’s our president. We like him.”

Before the comment was made, Alhanik's business was brisk. No word yet on how business is post his on-air remark.

H/t Weasel Z...

NANNY-STATE WATCH!

From Eric Dondero:

Thanks to the North Carolina Division of Environmental Health you can not get a rare or medium-rare cooked burger anywhere in the Tarheel State.

From AOL News, May 17:

a state restriction that requires restaurants to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit.

That's enough heat to sufficiently kill dangerous bacteria like E. coli, according to state health officials.

Restaurant owners now asking "Are you a cop, or a food inspector?"

One Raleigh resident and self-described "rare burger aficionado" is crying foul.

"I don't believe in a nanny state when it comes to food," said Elliot, "I don't like the government telling us what we can and cannot eat," he added.

But then Elliot let's it slip:

"Some restaurants will make a rare burger for you if you're a regular or if you look hip enough," said Elliot, who founded RareBurger.com in hopes of mapping out the best spots for undercooked meat for burger fans. "They'll ask you if you are a cop or food inspector first."

From Elliot's website:

There was a time not to long ago when you could go to any restaurant and order a rare burger. Now because of germaphobes, vegetarians and government hacks a good black and blue is hard to find.

Many burger venues at best only serve medium burgers. When you get them they are like charcoal. Most of us would be happy with a medium rare burger, but you can't even get those. Our "nanny" government once again is trying to protect us from ourselves and deny us our rights to pursue happiness, and bloody meat.

New York more libertarian on Burger Choice?

Adding to all the irony, Charlotte Purvis, food editor for the Charlotte Observer recently took a trip to New York City.

"It was sort of a shock," she said. "I bit into it and I was like, 'Holy cow -- this is a little pink in the middle. It's a juicier burger."

According to AOL she now supports "ordering a rare or medium rare burger as the kind of decision adults should have the right to make."

Photo credit - The Gothamist

UPDATE! This article picked up by WGNC 1450 AM, North Carolina.

From Eric Dondero:

Talmage "T.J." Thompson was the Libertarian Party nominee for US Congress against conservative firebrand Rep. Mike Pence in 2010. Now the 27-year old plans to run in the GOP primary for the vacated Pence seat for 2012.

From his website:

TJ Thompson is the new generation of Hoosier Politics. Throughout his adult life, he has been leading the fight for Freedom and Liberty in Indiana.

From TheRepublic.com:

“Our nation is balancing on a razor’s edge — teetering between freedom and failure,” Thompson said in a press release. “Throughout my adult life, I have led the charge for freedom: examining legislation, educating voters, writing Congress and running for office.”

Republicans "Yea"; Democrats "No"

From Eric Dondero:

It was a virtual party-line vote in the Maine House 78 to 69, on a bill to allow Teenagers to work. The bill has already cleared the Senate.

The legislation would allow those over 16 to choose to work longer hours and gain bigger paychecks.

From the Bangor Daily News, May 18:

“It is time we left these decisions up to the moms and dads and these kids who are trying to improve their situation,” said Rep. David Burns, R-Whiting.

“Some of us on the committee believe that working teens and their parents are in the best position to decide how often they should work, just as they do for sports, TV viewing, etc. … ,” said Rep. Kerri Prescott, R-Topsham. (photo)

Democrats like Rep. Alan Casavant, a social sciences teacher in Biddeford argued that kids need to stay in school and not gain valuable experience or gain a good work ethic.

“In my view, as an active teacher, to go backward and allow more work is just going to create an even bigger problem,” Casavant said.

The bill is supported by the Maine Restaurant Assoc. and the Maine Innkeepers. Republican Governor Paul LePage, who supported it all along, will now sign it into law.

An Absolute Must See Video!

From Eric Dondero:

Canada lets in approximately 250,000 immigrants from Asian, African and Latin American nations a year. The number of immigrants to Canada from white northern European nations is miniscule. Yet this Canadian Communist, who the host suspects is receiving welfare subsidies from the Canadian government, says that Canada is made up of a bunch of "White Supremacists."

There is a to die for moment starting at the 7:00 minute mark. The host cannot contain his laughter at her absurdities.

SURPRISE! Dems didn't count on this outcome

From Eric Dondero:

In a heavily Democratic Los Angeles-area congressional district, Republican Craig Huey placed a stunning second, ensuring him a place in the run-off election. The seat was held by well-known congresswoman Jane Harmon. She resigned immediately after the election last November for still un-explained reasons.

Huey even beat the Democrat Secretary of State Debra Bowen. Huey had 21.9% to Bowen's 21.5%. The first place finisher Democrat Janice Hahn had 24.7%.

And Huey was the Tea Party favorite in the race. He's also strong on defense.

Republicans do have a fighting chance. One other Republican on the ballot Mike Gin pulled 7.8%. And a third Republican Kit Bobko pulled 3.7%.

Sidenote; a Libertarian Party candidate in the race was the top third party or independent with 1.7% (738 votes). He even beat two Republicans on the ballot.

California Special Election results Vote.SOS.ca.gov

Huge Debt relief to Egypt; Food Aid to Jordan; US Military Protecting Saudi Nuke installations

From the WSJ:

President Barack Obama will announce this week a new aid plan for the Middle East and North Africa that U.S. officials say will be far bolder than previous American economic assistance to the region.

Mr. Obama will outline the plan, which could include debt cancellation and a reprogramming of financial aid the U.S. already provides to countries like Egypt...

The administration is looking at a mixture of direct aid, debt relief, and export credits to help stabilize Egypt's finances.

Obama said the U.S. will provide Jordan with hundreds of millions of dollars through the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the government institution that finances and insures private business to promote economic growth. The result, according to the U.S., will be roughly $1 billion for economic activity in Jordan. The president also pledged 50,000 metric tons of wheat.

From the Abilene ReporterNews.com:

ARMING ARABIA

WASHINGTON — Despite their deepening political divide, the United States and Saudi Arabia are quietly expanding defense ties on a vast scale, led by a little-known project to develop an elite force to protect the kingdom’s oil riches and future nuclear sites. The U.S. also is in discussions with Saudi Arabia to create an air and missile defense system with far greater capability... the Saudis are pressing ahead with a historic $60 billion arms deal that will provide dozens of new U.S.-built F-15 combat aircraft likely to ensure Saudi air superiority.

[He] "is a false prophet in the economic field" -- Euro-Central Bank Governor Council mbr. Nout Willink

From Eric Dondero:

Radio Netherlands is reporting that a "war of words," has broken out between "anti-Islam and Euro-skeptic MP Geert Wilders," and "president of the Dutch central bank, Nout Wellink." The battle is over bail-outs for Greece and possibly other EU nations including Portugal.

Wellink a "member of the European Central Bank Governing Council" is quoted:

Mr Wilders “mustn’t like his own people too much if he’s calling on them not to give any more money to Greece”.

Wilders has been on what has been characterized as an "anti-Greece crusade."

Talks of EU Refincancing Board were held in Luxembourg in early May, but the Netherlands was excluded.

From Reuters "Europe pressured to revise Irish and Greek bailouts":

Officials from the Netherlands, the fifth biggest euro zone economy, were not invited to Luxembourg and the Dutch government faced domestic criticism over the weekend for its exclusion.

"It is a humiliation and an insult that the Netherlands is being bypassed for talks about Greece," anti-immigration and eurosceptic member of parliament Geert Wilders told ANP news agency.

Split between Euro-conservatives and libertarians on bail-outs

Now Wilders is breaking with his coalition partners the Conservatives, and blasting the idea of the Dutch taxpayer being asked to fund the bailouts with no participation or oversight in the process.

Continuing from RN:

Mr Wilders attacked the government on the whole Greece crisis, clashing with the chairman of the governing conservative VVD, Stef Blok. Mr Blok said his party was distancing itself from the Freedom Party’s stance.

The VVD is the largest party in a coalition government with the Christian Democrats. As they don't have a parliamentary majority, they rely on Mr Wilders' PVV support in parliament.

Blok continued that if Greece were to fall, Portugal, and likely Spain, Bulgaria, and Italy, as well wreaking havoc on world markets.

[Wilders] PVV chief dismissed the arguments of both Mr Blok and Mr Wellink as “scare-mongering”.

ECB Prez Trichet - Financial Stability Fund should be expanded "in quantity and quality"

Meanwhile, Willink has been gaining international media in the financial press for his insistence on the appointment of Frenchman Jean-Claude Trichet as IMF Chief to replace alleged rapist Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

Translated from the Dutch News site vk.nl:

Jean-Claude Trichet, the current president of the European Central Bank would make an excellent candidate for Dominique Strauss-Kahn to succeed him as head of the IMF said, President De Nederlandsche Bank, Nout Wellink yesterday.

Trichet is a major advocate of bail-outs Europe-wide, and like Strauss-Kahn supports a greatly expansive role for the IMF.

From euractiv.com "EU finance chiefs mull widening bailout fund" Jan. 17:

Jean-Claude Trichet, president of the ECB, said on Sunday that the European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF) "should be improved in quantity and in quality".

"By quality, it means in terms of intervention to be as flexible as possible," Trichet told a Sunday news show hosted by RTL-LCI-Le Figaro.

See recent related LR article - "Sexual Pervert at the IMF Dominique Strauss-Kahn a committed Socialist" and LR article "Suspected Rapist Strauss-Kahn a big supporter of Bail-outs for Arab states" Photo credit - RYBuynSell and vk.nl