I have to think long and hard about whether the new “Spirit of America” program is one worth supporting. On the face of it, the idea has merit. Ordinary Americans set aside their differences on the war’s merits and send Iraqis things to help rebuild their lives – items such as laptop computers, baseballs, and power tools. What’s not to like? Iraqis learn that Americans are not all evil and Americans get to help the Iraqi society rebuild.
The problem is, nothing is ever that simple.
If the issue was sending food to people who were starving – life and death issues – that would be different. Jewish law requires that you help people in genuine need. But someone whose main need is a toy is not someone in danger of starving to death. In cases like that, other considerations can come into play.
Here’s a what-if for you: What if ‘Spirit of America’ manages to make a significant improvement in Iraq between now and November? Enough so that swing voters who have been soured on Bush due to the war decide that they can still comfortably vote for Bush? We get 4 more years of liars who think laws don’t apply to them running our country and ruining our economy.
Is 4 more years of Bush a price worth paying to send Iraqis 2 tons of Frisbees?
Maybe I’m selfish. Maybe I’m cynical. But I am not going to join the chorus on this one just yet.