By Dorothy Moon, IDGOP Chairwoman
October 13, 2023
| Like you, we watched the events in Israel over the past week with sadness and horror. Such demonic barbarity is a reminder of the fallen nature of mankind and the absolute necessity of resolute strength in a dangerous world. Unfortunately, the last three years of national leadership has been the opposite of strength. The Biden Administration has issued vague and contradictory statements while many of their most ardent supporters have praised brutal and heinous acts of terrorism. As Republicans, we firmly believe in peace through strength. As Ronald Reagan said, “We know only too well that war comes not when the forces of freedom are strong, but when they are weak. It is then that tyrants are tempted.” Tyrants worldwide are being tempted by the weakness they see in Washington DC. The botched withdrawal from Afghanistan just over two years ago showed the belligerent powers of the world that America would retreat in the face of aggression, cower behind platitudes, and leave our allies defenseless. The Idaho Republican Party overwhelmingly passed a resolution at last year’s State Convention in support of Israel. “Israel, like the USA, is a country born from the aspiration for freedom and stands out among the nations as a beacon of democracy and humanity,” it said. The Idaho GOP called upon Idaho’s congressional delegation to “support the state of Israel in order to maintain its sovereignty rights, and its ability to defend itself against terror attacks.” We renew that call today. The right to self defense is the most beloved of all our constitutional guarantees, and that extends to the right of nations to defend themselves from invasion and terrorism. All Americans should appreciate Israel for showing strength and resolve in defending her people from barbarism. Unfortunately, the other images we have seen this week — of Democratic Party constituencies waving Hamas and ISIS flags and celebrating the wanton murder of innocent men, women, and children — are reminders of the stark differences between our parties. Republicans stand for life, for peace, and for civilization. Many on the other side want to tear those things apart. We should also resist calls for expanding the conflict to nations such as Iran. The chief duty of our government is to protect the lives of the American people, and so any direct action must come only after deep deliberation by our elected officials. Yet there can be no debate over the moral issues at hand. Hamas is driven by an insatiable bloodlust that sees no distinction between soldier and civilian, or government and people. The Idaho Republican Party stands for civilization, for a true lasting peace, and we stand with Israel. |
