David and Goliath

THE NATION OF ISRAEL is a tiny, defenseless country surrounded by powerful enemies who threaten its very existence, according to Israeli and American conservatives. This, despite Israel's previous attempts at peace through the ceding of its "own" territory to ungrateful, greedy Palestinians. So goes the self serving fantasy. Poor little David, threatened by the great Goliath, valiantly defending himself and his nation of Israel. Hint: David was not the underdog here. He was armed with the most lethal weapon of his day, and he knew how to use it. He was poised against a lumbering idiot who wielded only a cumbersome, inaccurate battle ax, useful only at extremely close range. Goliath never had a chance. Neither do any of Israel's enemies. David has a nuclear arsenal, and the unqualified backing of the most powerful and aggressive superpower in world history. That the United States of America and Israel should be allies is supremely appropriate; a pair of military behemoths, both conquering occupiers living on stolen land, just the two of us against the big, bad disapproving world. Their slings are circling high above, even as they cry crocodile tears at their unjust treatment by their already vanquished, victimized enemies.