apples and oranges
Reader comment on item: Did Divine Intervention Fell Ariel Sharon?

Submitted by John W McGinley (United States), Jan 2, 2008 at 15:41

First: Robertson apologized, and that implies to me that he no longer believes that "Divine Intervention" brought about Sharon's condition. An unwise dosage and usage of heparin bears the true blame. Secondly, the religious right (both Christian and Jewish; both in Israel and not in Israel) were wrong about Gaza.

The Biblical case for Gaza was remarkably weak and, on a practical level, it was draining Israel to maintain its presence there. Sharon's decision was right and remains right and, even now, remains in the best interests of Israel. But I do grant that had Sharon remained healthy he would have handled things quite differently than did Olmert.

In particular Sharon would have handled the kidnapping of Shalit (correct my spelling, please, if I have spelled his name wrong) in such a way that he would have been returned within a week. It was the the manner of response to this kidnapping -- ultimately a weak and non-serious response despite all the destruction perpetrated -- which inspired Hizbollah to make its kidnapping foray into Israel, settting off the Lebanaon war. Thirdly -- and most importantly -- what is wrong with an Israel being dominated by religious Jews? Yes. The religious right was wrong in its assessment of Sharon's Gaza decision.

Even so, the future of Israel is and should be in the hands of overtly religious and observant Jews.

John W. McGinley

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