Ron Paul: Statement on Gaza Bill :

"I believe it is appalling that Palestinians
are firing rockets that harm innocent Israelis,
just as I believe it is appalling that
Israel fires missiles into Palestinian areas
where children and
other non-combatants are killed and injured."

"I strongly believe that we must cease making
proclamations involving
conflicts that have nothing to do with
the United States . "

Statement on Gaza Bill

March 5, 2008

Madam Speaker: I rise in opposition to H. Res. 951.
As one who is consistently against war and violence,
I obviously do not support the firing of rockets indiscriminately
into civilian populations. I believe it is appalling that Palestinians
are firing rockets that harm innocent Israelis, just as I believe it is
appalling that Israel fires missiles into Palestinian areas where
children and other non-combatants are killed and injured.

Unfortunately, legislation such as this is more likely to
perpetuate violence in the Middle East than contribute
to its abatement. It is our continued involvement and
intervention � particularly when it appears to be one-sided �
that reduces the incentive for opposing sides to
reach a lasting peace agreement.

Additionally, this bill will continue the march toward war
with Iran and Syria , as it contains provocative language
targeting these countries. The legislation oversimplifies the
Israel/Palestine conflict and the larger unrest in the Middle East
by simply pointing the finger at Iran and Syria .

This is another piece in a steady series of legislation passed in
the House that intensifies enmity between the United States
and Iran and Syria . My colleagues will recall that we saw
a similar steady stream of provocative legislation against
Iraq in the years before the US attack on that country.

"I strongly believe that we must cease making
proclamations involving
conflicts that have nothing to do with
the United States . "

We incur the wrath of those who feel slighted while doing
very little to slow or stop the violence.