Margo,

My heart goes out to you and your country. Also to the civilians in Lebanon who are trapped by militants who use their homes and towns as hide outs.

I think the US has a responsibility in all this having started the Iraqi war. We have increased the hatred toward western nations (israel included). The arab nations practically see the US and Israel as the same. How can we stand around and tell Israel, or anyone for that matter, to stop defending itself when we went in as aggressors and killed civilians too (thousands)? Tyranny, extremism and war breeds .. well.. it breeds tyranny extremism and war. The US is certainly guilty of all three. Hezbollah very much too. How do we back down from these wrong headed positions?

Peace comes from understanding, working together toward common goals, and empathy towards others. The truth is all civilians in the middle east can (and many already do) have the same goal. To live peacably in the persuit of life, liberty and happiness for themselves and their families. That goal does not have to include wiping out others who are not like yourselves. We should be spending our money on programs that encourage interfaith and cross cultural understanding. Not spending billions on war.

I hope you and your loved ones stay safe. I hope to visit Israel again soon.

Oh, I better stop here.