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Some Random Thoughts on Tactics
NMB, Florida January 6, 2002 A.H. Schectman
THINKING ALLOWED
Essays on Issues, Ideas and Reflections on the Times. Published Now and
Then. Opinions Pro or Con Are Welcome.
SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS ON TACTICS
Last night I took Carol to dinner at Macaronis Grill. We met the Singers
there and they came with a gift for Carol. Yesterday, the 5th, was Carol's
76th birthday. I didn't buy her flowers. That is usually taken care of, and
was, by one daughter, and a series of gifts from both. My gift was three
cards and care for her during her convalescence. Eli Singer left the table
as soon as he arrived at the restaurant and arranged for a cake and candle.
He paid for dinner too. When it was served Carol was delighted by being
serenaded in Italian. I missed using better tactics in all three instances.
But that is not what I want to talk about. Tactics are the plans you adopt
to get things done. It does no good for some people to say - after the
fact - "I told you so." But it is necessary to vent and share what seems to
me, at least, tolerable and possible better uses of a world of alternative
tactics. Another tactic or strategy - or many others - might be better than
the ones that do not work.
For instance: George Bush has just said "over my dead body" would Democrats
make him give up his beloved tax cut for the few rich in our country. This
is a bad move. I believe thoughtful Republicans can see how wrong this is.
Instead, he should deliver aid and comfort to the non-rich who actually
elected him in the botched voting. "Make nice STUPID" to this very large
block of non-rich voters in thinking about the next election and some
economic problems might be solved too.
The Israelis have it wrong about assassinating Hamas terrorists. It might
be less satisfying, but it would be more effective if these leaders were
brought to trial. Kidnap them as they did Eichman. An earlier generation
tracked Eichman down in far off Argentina effectively and did the job
without any civilians being hurt. His trial and execution ACCORDING TO LAW
was a showcase for democratic procedures - after the fact of the illegal
entry into and etc. This may be harder to do in Palestine (but I don't think
so) and it is much closer to home. The trial could be held in a "neutral
country" and show the world a great deal more effectively the real nature of
terrorism.
"Eichman" was a good teaching tool. The rush to liquidate people like Bin
Laden and his top aides would miss priceless opportunities to showcase
terrorism to the world and the fallacies of the beliefs behind it. The
Trials at Nuremberg are a case in point. They showed irrefutably (despite
the deniers who still are selling their case that Hitler was right) that
World War II was won by the good guys. The Hitlers, Mussolinis, Tojos,
Saddam Husseins and Bin Ladens are bad for the Human Race.
The misuse of democracy in Argentina is a very bad tactic by the leaders
and the people of that country. I believe they have democratic elections in
bankrupt Argentina. They, too, have their own George Bushes who take care of
a pampered class of the wealthy and powerful. Like every democracy the
voters should never relax and let their chosen leaders do what they want
without scrutiny. We have this problem here too.
The tendency is to "Let George do it." We elected him (George or Senor
Peron) and then backed away thinking our job was done. This is a
thoughtless tactic. The people in Argentina believe wrongly that if they
step back their new leader (s) can do the job alone.
They all have a stake in their government but they all do not share the
load of making it work.
Carol's Evaluation: 10 out of 10.
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