If there WERE some terrorists in Mexico shooting rockets into the US, I would expect that we would coordinate our response with the Mexican government to whatever degree is possible. I would not expect that the US would retaliate by systematically destroying Mexico.

I hope Hillary doesn't win the nomination for President.

If the US had good reason to believe that Mexico was complicit in the attacks, that would be justification for a declaration of war. If we responded to extremist terrorists in Mexico in the same manner that Israel has responded to Hezbolla in Lebanon, we would have to bomb Mexico City, blow up all escape routes from the country, and make a sweep through Mexico with armored vehicles. There would be a worldwide outcry against us. Of course, the geographic size of Mexico would make it very difficult to use the kind of tactics that Israel makes in Lebanon.

The Mexican/Canadian comparison that Hillary made is a far fetched, highly unlikely scenario that can never have the same tangled background as the Israeli-Lebanese conflict. If I remember correctly, the Israelis began making airstrikes into Lebanon after the terrorists captured two Israeli soldiers, and Hezbolla fired rockets into Israel after that. Hillary's comparison sounds a lot like the simplistic kind of rhetoric that Bush uses.

Anyone can make up analogies, but those usually break down when the details of the situation are examined more closely.

Then criticize Israel's response to the Hizbollah/Lebanese/Syrian terrorism.

Alternatively, try this WP article for a very good discussion of the politics involved. 

I've read the WP article (thanks), and still believe that in this instance Israel has overreacted, and the policy of trying to root out Hezbollah and destroying their connections with Iran will probably create more problems than it solves. Whether an attempt at diplomacy would fare any better, I cannot say. Either way, it's tragic, and I'm sad to think that the US is tangle up in this.

But you have me wondering...maybe I should have left it to Yahweh to sort them out. Those goobers wanted me out you know. 

Next time, find a competent lawyer to explain the deed to you.  That's far preferable to whining about it later.

There will be no peace without justice for the Palestinians.

What possible good outcome can Israel's overwhelming use of military force get them but a more destabilized Lebanon and Gaza couple with a mass infusion of fresh recruits for Israel’s enemies.

This is just simple ignorance.  Just the idea that "overwhelming military force" had anything to do with the creation of Israel is ridiculous.  It's evident that you know very little about the history of Israel.

But this discussion board isn't the place to educate you.  Try your local library.

As long as people are using "justice" as an excuse for firing off their weapons, there will never be peace, only outrage, suffering and revenge.

But what I do not understand at all is why this has to do with values that are particularly American or Israeli?  That makes no sense to me.

I've been reading DK diaries on this subject.
nyceve's diary:
http://dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/7/17/173016/556

and teacherken's:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/7/17/202048/421

I guess she felt the need to create some room to the center of the Wingnutistanians from the village of PNAC.  And PNAC is aboil with brilliance and bold initiative. (on a tip from friend Hunter)  To Wit:

I think we ought to execute some air strikes against Syria, against the instruments of power of that state, against the airport, which is the place where the weapons shuttle through from Iran to Hezbollah and Hamas. I think both Syria and Iran think that we're cowards. [...] The last thing we ought to do now is to start talking about cease-fires and the rest.

  -- James Woolsey, Former CIA Director

The U.S. should bomb Syria sez Mr. Woolsey!

Meanwhile, over at the PNAC Picayune...

We might consider countering this act of Iranian aggression with a military strike against Iranian nuclear facilities. Why wait? Does anyone think a nuclear Iran can be contained? That the current regime will negotiate in good faith? It would be easier to act sooner rather than later. Yes, there would be repercussions -- and they would be healthy ones, showing a strong America that has rejected further appeasement.

  -- Bill Kristol, Weekly Standard

The U.S. should bomb Iran says Billy!

And down in the streets of PNAC, a crowd has gathered.  The village idiot has mounted the speaker's stand and intones:

Here's what I do know about World War III and the impending apocalypse. One, we can't coexist with people who want to blow up trains and subways and bring down buildings. If somebody has a death wish, not really the best negotiating partner. [...]

And it's not just us. It's the whole Western way of life that is in trouble. That's why we need to get on that World War III bandwagon.

  -- Glenn Beck, CNN Headline News

The World War III Bandwagon?  Oh that black surrey over there with Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell at the reins. Buzzing with flies, reeking of death, and dripping blood?

Lord help us; every stupid, misguided one of us. 

Israel is interested in no one but themselves. We need to be clear when discussing this that the current govenment of Israel is as radical as our current government. Its time to start treating that country like it is capable of both moderate and extreme governments. Many of the people now in charge were expelled from Russia and the Russian satellites because they were (sorry to have to say this) criminals. Many were given the choice of going to jail or going to Israel. Unfortunately many went to Israel.

Sorry if these facts offend anyone, but we need to start treating the Israelies like them are human just like the rest of us and stop being afraid of discussing the facts about their government.

Its amazing how many neo-cons came from Eastern Europe during this time, or whose parents came to the US under these conditions. All you have to do is do some research and you will be amazed at what you find.

Sorry if these facts offend anyone. If so, I suggest you do your own research.

Do you think I am putting them on a pedestal?  I don't know these people personally, but I have a sense of many of them through their work or some anecdotes and discussion with some incredible mathematicians who didn't quite make it to the list. No doubt there are some inveterate assholes on that list.  But many on that list really are bigger than life, and not merely for their intellectual achievements, but also for their generosity and humanity.

Israel Gelfand and Boris Levitan are Russian Jews worth reading about. Levitan passed away a couple of years ago.

Or check out Lee Lorch's piece on Gabor Szego or for that matter read about Lee himself.

Meanwhile Bush is acting like a two-year-old talking to people with his mouth full, massaging the shoulders of women officials, and other such misbehavior on the world stage at the G-8 conference. He's the perfect leader as a front for these people. He just doesn't have a clue, and couldn't care less.

We need a huge house cleaning operation.

http://www.themoneymasters.com  splains a lot of it.  Problem now is that destruction doesn't stay local.  It ruins everything.