President George Bush has made another bad deal with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. In exchange for lifting the restrictions on Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat, Mr. Bush has agreed to back Israel in blocking a United Nations investigation of the Jenin refugee camp killings.
Way to go, Mr. Prez. In exchange for Israel doing what it should have done anyway, you agreed to block an investigation of a possible war crime. That makes you look real good in the eyes of the world. In case you haven't noticed, your pal Sharon has become a fat albatross around your neck.
I suppose I should be pleased since, for humanitarian reasons, I'm have gotten Sharon on the telephone and said: "Listen, if there is any doubt in your mind as to which of us is the big kahuna, it's me. Get those troops out of the West Bank now or see how you like living without $3 billion in American aid. If necessary, I'll freeze every asset the Israeli government has in the United States and suggest a U.N.-sponsored economic embargo.
"And, Mr. Sharon, if you think your Israeli lobby can protect you, you'd better check with them and ask them how they'd like it if the president of the United States goes on national television and says it is time for the American people to decide which country is owed their loyalty - the United States or IsrUnited States is not demanding an investigation.
Mr. Bush apparently does not understand that being president is more than reading speeches somebody else wrote. It's more than photo opportunities. It's been our post-1960 curse to elect men who do not know the difference between campaigning and governing.
I wish he had read more. Teddy Roosevelt said walk softly but carry a big stick - not be a loudmouth with a toothpick.
