Palestinian revolution?

Editorial

Following the American Revolution and the defeat of the British Empire, the representatives of the 13 colonies met in Philadelphia to create a nation. They chose to create democracy - a government of the people, by the people, for the people, containing a mechanism for the seamless transfer of power through public elections.

In crafting the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights to the Constitution, they were revolutionaries to the core. The revolution they launched continues to this day, grounded by the words, "We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union."

When Israel became a nation in 1948, its leaders were not compelled to create a parliamentary democracy. They could have established a theocracy, grounded by halacha (Jewish religious law); or David Ben Gurion and his fellow Labor Party leaders could have solidified power and marginalized their rivals. They certainly could have chosen not to grant citizenship to non-Jews.

But Israel's founders were revolutionaries. They fostered a government in which a multitude of voices flourishes. The revolution they begat continues to this day. And Israel remains the only true democracy in the Middle East.

Today another people stand at the threshold of revolution. The Palestinians stand to gain nation status, recognized borders, and financial aid if they, too, act to establish a democracy. U.S. President George W. Bush has outlined a plan for lasting peace between the Israelis and their Palestinian neighbors, grounded and girded by democratic ideals.

In response, Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat recently released a "100 Days Plan" outlining how he would accomplish much of what Bush has requested. But words are cheap, and history has shown that Arafat to be quite a talker. Few knowledgeable observers believe he would step aside for a democratically elected replacement. Some even argue that the Palestinians would defy Bush's demand that Arafat be removed from power and rally behind him.

In any case, where are the Palestinian revolutionaries? Who among the Palestinians has the courage and strength to step forward to build a nation - to seize freedom, overthrow oppressive regimes and drive despotic leaders into exile?

The late Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir said the Palestinians never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity. As we mark the 226th U.S. Independence Day, let us hope the Palestinians will not miss the opportunity Bush is promoting, to declare an Independence Day of their own.

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