Did you see the news account and video recording of today's example of "creative terrorism" wherein an object of human progress was transformed into a weapon of murder and terror? It is exactly the opposite of E-liyahu's description of the the geula; turning weapons into tools. Well, as a proud Jew and patriotic American this "controversial" quote came to mind: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. I'd like to fit a bronze plaque inscribed with these words into a certain orifice of a certain four individuals and the entire government of Israel.
Truman | 07.02.08 - 3:56 pm | #

Actually, a policewoman fired a few shots earlier, but this did not stop the attacker. It was a civilian who shot the attacker and stopped him, using a civilian weapon. Only after that, after the vehicle came to a stop, did an anti-terrorist policeman fire a few more shots, to ascertain that the attack would not continue.

Also, the civilian who stopped the attacker is the brother-in-law of the civilian who shot the previous attacker at Merkaz HaRav. Amazing co-incidence. Or maybe it's just that some people know to do the right thing.

As for bearing arms, the Israeli government has been taking away the weapons of right-wingers in preparation for future expulsions of Jews. It is precisely for racist actions like the expulsion of the Jews of Gaza that the American founding fathers saw fit to grant the people the right to bear arms. But Israel isn't really a democracy, so why bother with citizen's rights?
Jake in Jerusalem | 07.02.08 - 7:16 pm | #

Jake, the "civilian" was an anti-terror Egoz unit (part of Golani brigade) serviceman on vacation. BTW, he was initially refused to be recruited to the army because he was one of those who fortified themselves on the roof in Kefar Darom, during expulsion from Gush Katif. At the end the army was "generous" enough as to allow him to be drafted.
Anonymous | 07.05.08 - 9:57 pm | #