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The usual suspects have written an opinion piece attacking Rep. Jimmy Panetta because he believes that the United States has a responsibility to combat terrorism at home and abroad. The writers frame the issue as one of war and peace.
This is the same kind of thinking that allowed Nazi Germany to nearly conquer Europe. Neither appeasement nor isolationism works. Iran and its proxies have terrorized millions of people, including many in Iran. It is no secret that Iran was hoping to obtain atomic bombs. We have seen the damage Iran has done to the region with conventional missiles. Every recent American president as well as Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris has stated they would not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. What says the so-called peace candidate? Peace will not come by allowing Iran to get stronger and our ally Israel to get weaker.
Panetta’s stance wants to rein in the president’s ability to wage war without congressional approval, but at the same time not restrict our ability to respond to international crises.
The Israeli air force has killed people responsible for murdering over 30,000 Iranians in January. We should cheer this as did thousands of Iranians in exile.
The cost of war us high, but sometimes the cost of avoiding war is even greater. Allowing a bomb in the hands of Iran or its proxies will be much worse than what we are seeing now.
I do not agree with Jimmy Panetta on everything when it comes to the Middle East, but I respect his opinions, and I know that he will be an independent thinker and put our nation before partisan politics and catchy slogans.
Gil Stein
Aptos