August 4, 2005
Our rep leads for peace

I'm proud of our Rep. Barney Frank for leading 100 members of congress (including 7 of the Bay State's 10 reps) to vote for peace in last week's congressional debate on Mideast aid. These wise 100 representatives understood that in regard to the Israel-Palestine conflict, American and Israeli interests are both served by supporting Palestinian moderates. In the case of the vote Barney bravely led, this meant trying to give the President approval to administer an agreed-on aid amount to the Palestinian Authority on a schedule he determines will be most effective.

Especially this month, when Gaza will be put under Palestinian control and the Israelis rightfully demand that security be enforced, the U.S. needs to help with funds that can be used to bolster the moderates and suppress the terrorists.

It wouldn't hurt to send a high-level envoy to help the two sides get their act together after the pullout, as well.

Sandy Goldfless
Fuller Street
Brookline, MA