Hamas does not want peace, they want death to Israel. If you think I am a right wing nut job, ask them. Israel’s reaction is no surprise. Hamas wants this. Israel does not (ask ANY Israeli if they’d rather have peace), but its government is probably so scared of looking weak and losing elections that it acts as governments of powerful militaries often do- heavy handedly.

Don’t blame the victim? I’ll try not to. But who’s the victim? The Japanese look at WWII as an unfortunate period where their country made a deal with the devil, and suffered for it. The Palestinians, a far more sympathetic group than prewar Japan ever was, will never have mainstream acceptance of their plight while they still maintain the contract with their own devil. Every time a rocket falls, every time a pizza parlor erupts in a ball of fire and human organs, the valid story of suffering and injustice of the Palestinians gets that much more difficult to hear.

I certainly hope Obama can reel back some of the blank-check support this country offers Israel. But I don’t dismiss Hamas as an act of nature that one must hope goes away by “feeding” nicer things. Their goal is not peace. Their business is fighting, and they will continue to act on any front that will advance their business, even if it means sabotaging their own people (like kicking Fatah out of Gaza).

I’m sure the Palestinians are wonderful people, but war is hell. Don’t ask for it. If you do, don’t be surprised if it costs you your child. Crying, “World, save us! They are shooting BACK!” won’t win them the support they need and arguably deserve.