Professional Soldiers ® - View Single Post - Let's talk about our Relationship with Israel

3SoldierDad · 05-22-2007, 15:40

Well, looks like you may not be happy with where your foreign aid is going.

Shoulder Shrug - Not really, but what can you do?

In 1994, the top nations receiving US aid were 1) Israel $3.0 B, 2) Egypt, $2.1 B, and 3) Russia, $1.4 B. In 2004, the situation had changed slightly with the Billion Dollar Aid Club line-up being 1) Iraq $18.44 B, 2) Israel $2.62 B, 3) Eypt $1.87 B, and 4) Afghanistan $1.77 B.

Believe it or not, with a little rounding, I know these figures, too. It doesn't change my views - In fact, it reinforces my views.

I will not attempt to explain the rationale of paying nations not to go to war with each other.

Whereas, I'm not an experienced soldier, I am a very experienced taxpayer...I understand the rationale. Nevertheless, the payola system doesn't seem to always work, does it? Folks say it takes a John to lay with a whore - Is that what we are? I hope not. It may be realpolitik, but it is shameful, nevertheless. I believe America must stop paying people to do what is right. Real violence early can be better than seeing explosive pent-up violence later. What kind of return are we having on our investments into the Mideast?...."paying them not to go to war."..Maybe, we should get a refund? I'm being facetious, of course - but half serious.

In case you were unaware, the 1973 gas crisis was largely because the US decided to stand by Israel and rushed air to air and anti-tank missiles to them when they ran short in the Seven Day War.

TR, IMO, it was a small price to pay considering letting Russia dominate the Mideast could have knocked us clear into a depression and perhaps WWWIII. However, unlike 1973 I don't think Israel needs an emergency weapons system from us in a pinch - They're now a regional power themselves. In fact, I heard we are now buying a vast amount of weapons from Israel.

Again, I say, leave Israel alone...

Forgive me if it sounds like I'm saying I have all the answers...I certainly don't. You can say - "Well, Chuck that's just your opinion." And you're right, but it is the only opinion that I've got - mine.

Three Soldier Dad...

All the best, Chuck

05-22-2007, 15:40	#74
3SoldierDad Guerrilla Join Date: May 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 249	Well, looks like you may not be happy with where your foreign aid is going. Shoulder Shrug - Not really, but what can you do? In 1994, the top nations receiving US aid were 1) Israel $3.0 B, 2) Egypt, $2.1 B, and 3) Russia, $1.4 B. In 2004, the situation had changed slightly with the Billion Dollar Aid Club line-up being 1) Iraq $18.44 B, 2) Israel $2.62 B, 3) Eypt $1.87 B, and 4) Afghanistan $1.77 B. Believe it or not, with a little rounding, I know these figures, too. It doesn't change my views - In fact, it reinforces my views. I will not attempt to explain the rationale of paying nations not to go to war with each other. Whereas, I'm not an experienced soldier, I am a very experienced taxpayer...I understand the rationale. Nevertheless, the payola system doesn't seem to always work, does it? Folks say it takes a John to lay with a whore - Is that what we are? I hope not. It may be realpolitik, but it is shameful, nevertheless. I believe America must stop paying people to do what is right. Real violence early can be better than seeing explosive pent-up violence later. What kind of return are we having on our investments into the Mideast?...."paying them not to go to war."..Maybe, we should get a refund? I'm being facetious, of course - but half serious. In case you were unaware, the 1973 gas crisis was largely because the US decided to stand by Israel and rushed air to air and anti-tank missiles to them when they ran short in the Seven Day War. TR, IMO, it was a small price to pay considering letting Russia dominate the Mideast could have knocked us clear into a depression and perhaps WWWIII. However, unlike 1973 I don't think Israel needs an emergency weapons system from us in a pinch - They're now a regional power themselves. In fact, I heard we are now buying a vast amount of weapons from Israel. Again, I say, leave Israel alone... Forgive me if it sounds like I'm saying I have all the answers...I certainly don't. You can say - "Well, Chuck that's just your opinion." And you're right, but it is the only opinion that I've got - mine. Three Soldier Dad... All the best, Chuck Last edited by 3SoldierDad; 05-22-2007 at 15:46.
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