Thanks John!

The value of all human life is equal and priceless, right? Actually, I take it back...it REALLY depends.

According to John Bolton, the US representative to the United Nations, there is no moral equivalence between civilian casualties from the Israeli raids in Lebanon and those killed in Israel from 'malicious terrorist acts'.

Having read this, I am now really curious to know how many Lebanese lives does it take to make up for an Israeli life? How's about American? Irish? Suggestions, anyone?

It takes 'shitty' (forgive my French) high level policy statements like these to build more hatred between people and nations.

Never in my life have I thought Israelis well less valuable that I am. As enraged as I am by what is happening in Lebanon these days, I cannot but feel the pain of Israelis in general and those who live in the north in particular who are living in constant fear.

Whatever happened to smart politics, folks? Are all the brainy politicians and strategists gone? Is force the only resort these days? Are we just too dumb for diplomacy? I mean Bush and now Olmert are moving from one failing foreign policy to another, isn't anyone noticing? How many wars should it take so we realize that whether you're a liberal or conservative, the current forced democracy policies are not only unsuccessfull but also dangerous.

Oh and if you're interested in reading Bolton's comments, please follow the link below.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060717/pl_afp/mideastconflictlebanon_060717204728