BRATTLEBORO — One could argue endlessly about settlements versus tunnels, missiles versus rockets, the number killed in Gaza versus the number killed in Israel.
But all that overlooks what seems to me a basic fact: that Israel has overwhelming power. It's assured militarily by insuperable odds and politically by its U.S. patron, scared to speak truth to Israel and its lobby, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Israel, in addition, has huge advantages technologically, financially, educationally. In the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it holds all the cards.
Over the years, there have been countless fights, each side guilty of countless transgressions. Way too many years of tit-for-tat.
In that hopeless situation, it's up to the side that's stronger to finally lead the search for peace. If instead they continue to make life hideous for the weaker side, then they are a bully.
And others on the scene are obliged to speak out. That they are the bully's friend becomes irrelevant.