Jimmuh Carter: Give Terrorists a Chance

Former worst president in the 20th century Jimmuh Carter has written a piece in the Washington Post pleading for the U.S. and Israel to give terrorists a chance in the Palestinian territories. Carter, who has never met a socialist or repressive regime that he didn't love, calls on the the U.S. and Israel to continue funding Hamas and the terrorists they breed.

After giving us all a civics lesson in how the new Palestinian government is supposed to work, he then pleads for the continuation of funding, and warns of the dire consequences should we fail to pay up:

This common commitment to eviscerate the government of elected Hamas officials by punishing private citizens may accomplish this narrow purpose, but the likely results will be to alienate the already oppressed and innocent Palestinians (who cheered and handed out candy when the World Trade Center fell-HC), to incite violence, and to increase the domestic influence and international esteem of Hamas. It will certainly not be an inducement to Hamas or other militants to moderate their policies.

The election of Hamas candidates cannot adversely affect genuine peace talks, since such talks have been nonexistent for over five years. A negotiated agreement is the only path to a permanent two-state solution, providing peace for Israel and justice for the Palestinians. In fact, if Israel is willing to include the Palestinians in the process, Abbas can still play this unique negotiating role as the unchallenged leader of the PLO (not the government that includes Hamas).

It was under this umbrella and not the Palestinian Authority that Arafat negotiated with Israeli leaders to conclude the Oslo peace agreement. Abbas has sought peace talks with Israel since his election a year ago, and there is nothing to prevent direct talks with him, even if Hamas does not soon take the ultimately inevitable steps of renouncing violence and recognizing Israel's right to exist.

I don't know how Carter could conceivably think that a renouncing of violence and recognition of Israel is "inevitable". Hamas has given no indication whatsoever that they're the least bit interested in either idea. Jimmuh wants so desperately for evil regimes to succeed, that he completely ignores reality, not to mention the terrible outcomes that result from these regimes.

Let us all pause for a moment and give thanks that Jimmuh and his like are no longer in positions of power in the United States.