Iraq, United States: Jim Lahrer interviews General Peter Chiarelli:Jews and Quebec

Last night I caught Gen. Peter Chiarelli in an interview with Jim Lahrer. It was most engaging and wise in its discourse. It was also absent of any of the loud-mouth diatribes we so often see.

I've always been impressed with military commentators and historians. Whenever one is interviewed it is a must to sit and listen. Military leaders receive a classical type of education that encompasses all of the so-called major liberal arts from history to philosophy. Not only this, many are sufficiently intelligent enough to understand other disciplines like engineering and urban planning. As Gen. Chiarelli pointed out, there are many things he has had to learn on the fly. Only a cultured mind can cope with this.

They are more rooted in true intellectualism than pop culture journalists or talking heads. The latter marking their popularity through an ability to sell themselves with the gift of gab. I'm not suggesting they are all like this - there are some thoughtful thinkers out there. Nevertheless, a military mind can be an interesting thing.

George W Bush. It's been awhile since we last posted. You're quite the character. Your opponents paint you both as an infantile, inarticulate ignorant monkey yet they have you behind every major conspiracy that demands informed, intelligent insight. I'm confused. Which is it? I still haven't figured out how the Jews are simultaneously blamed for capitalism and communism.

Speaking of the Jews.* The recent bomb attack - no one was injured. Damages were slight - on a Jewish synagogue in Quebec City revealed something. Muslims attack synagogues here. I have yet to hear Jews attacking any Mosques. How long before Muslims feel sufficiently victimized and confident enough to turn their sights and attention on Church's in North America?

The government of Quebec - including Jean Charest and Bernard Landry - were appropriate in their response. They condemn this cowardly act as do the people of Quebec. In a province that has a history of anti-semitism, I was happy to see the strong response by public and academic officials. There's more at stake here than just one malcontent attacking a synagogue. I have yet to hear any word from the Muslim community - no doubt seen as a just 'retaliation' for Israel's attack on Lebanon. The reality is that it is the Muslim community attempting to create a turf war here for problems that come from elsewhere. Prove this perception otherwise. I'm listening.

Our own record of the treatment of Jews is spotty and unimpressive. Pogroms and Jewish witch hunts have littered the course of Occidental history. In fact, Muslims were far more enlightened in their commitment to plurality - whether it be under the Ottomans or Persians for example. Alas, something went awry along the long circular path of history.

*I just had a flashback to Seinfeld. The episode where George and Jerry go into a limo that was reserved for Nazi's. At one point George tries to call the police, but is interrupted by two people part of the Nazi group. As they come back into the car, you hear him say, "You know who are repsonsible for that. The Jews!" And he hangs up. Classic.