Good afternoon everyone.
We are all witness to the horrors going on in Israel right now. The strong statements of support from The United States, from Canada, and other nations with any sense of decency are appreciated. The statements have time and again emphasized Israel's right to self-defence. Alas, while these messages are well-intentioned, they fall short of what should be said.
I have noted in the past that no nation has a right of self-defence. It is an obligation. Rights can be surrendered. We can surrender a right to free speech. We can surrender rights regarding search and seizure.
Obligations cannot be surrendered. They come from the laws and from the citizens of any country. In accepting political office, a politician also accepts those obligations. To surrender them shatters the social contract between government and citizen.
As such, it would be much stronger a statement to say that the United States, Canada, and those other nations recognize Israel's obligation of self-defence, and trusts those in authority to pursue that obligation with zeal.
It bears repeating.
May we see peace and calm settle over the land speedily in our day.
R/SCG
