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August 9, 2002/Elul 1 5762, Vol. 54, No. 47
Partners in democracyJOHN C. KEEGAN"Political Voices" gives congressional and gubernatorial candidates the opportunity to express their views on issues affecting the Jewish community.As a former counter-terrorist agent, with 27 years of active and reserve military experience, I am keenly aware of Israel's need and right to secure and defensible borders. Every time Israel has conceded land for peace, Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat has not lived up to his part of the bargain. America must stand tall with Israel, the only democracy between Morocco and India, in its effort to achieve peace through strength, and not through concession. Palestinian leadership It is time for Arafat to go. It is clear from recent events that the current leadership of the Palestine movement is ineffective and morally corrupt. I support President George W. Bush's call for new, moderate leadership in the Palestinian Authority. Rejecting terrorism The United States has identified certain countries as sponsors of terrorism, including Syria, Iraq and Iran. These countries continue to support the vicious efforts of terrorist organizations such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Any country supporting such agents of terror must not be permitted to join the international coalition against terror until they renounce their support for all terrorist organizations, stop their pursuit of weapons of mass destruction, and drop their opposition to Middle East peace. We must not compromise with these regimes in exchange for their participation in the anti-terror campaign. Israel is a staunch supporter of America's war against terrorism. Our two democracies share a common concern for each and every citizen's life and will react with appropriate force when terrorists strike. Israel has been a valued ally to the United States, based on her experience with terror attacks. Aid to Israel As a congressman, I will continue to support aid to Israel. Clearly, foreign aid is an essential component of foreign policy. I was pleased to see Congress' recent passage of the homeland security bill providing Israel with $200 million in anti-terrorism aid. It is imperative to assist Israel's military forces and take command of international security for the purpose of defending Israel and protecting U.S. interests. As a congressman, I will continue to support foreign aid appropriations legislation to Israel. With their cooperation, the United States secures a reliable and strategically sound ally in the Middle East. We must continue to assist Israel with our financial support. We have no better friend in the Middle East, and our assistance allows Israel to defend herself against hostile threats. Our financial aid has ensured that important scientific and technological research and development, agricultural programs, trade and military cooperation with the United States will continue. I would oppose any attempts to cut foreign aid to Israel. We must continue to support our friends who are helping us fight the war against terrorism and support democratic ideals. The Peace Process I strongly support President Bush's call for "a new Palestinian leadership that rejects terrorism - a precondition for American recognition of a provisional Palestinian state." Supporting Israel's right of self-defense is essential given Arafat's refusal to end terrorist bombings, apprehend terrorists or work to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Furthermore, I firmly believe in Israel's right to defend itself. Since Sept. 2000, about 570 Israelis have been killed in Palestinian terrorist attacks. Jerusalem The U.S. Embassy to Israel should be in Jerusalem. This will send an important message to Israel's neighbors and the entire world. The issue of Jerusalem should not be left to the final phase of negotiations for peace between Israel and its neighbors. Keegan is a Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, District 2. For more information, visit his Web site, www.Keegan2002.org. Other candidates for the seat are Republicans Lisa Atkins, Scott Bungaard, Trent Franks, Dick Hensley, Dusko Jovicic and Mike Schaefer; Democrats Linda Calvert, Randy Camacho, Elizabeth Farley and Sandy Reagan; and Libertarian Edward Carlson. |
