Most journalists are retarded. This is a well known fact. It's the only way I can explain the huge push for the brewing prisoner swap in the Middle East. For those who aren't up to date, Israel is about to swap some 450 convicted Hamas terrorists* which collectivly probably did for some 300-400 Israeli citizens, all for one captured corporal.
I have attempted several explanations as to why a country might commit suicide for one person.

First off, how is this suicide ?

On a personal note, I've been an active reservist for almost 10 years now. I've missed university lessons, exams, work and my own free time to serve about 20-30 days with my regiment every year. If this thing passes I'm seriously considering refusing the next summons, even if I go to jail. Because what's the point ? My regiment, consisting of hundreds of men, only catches a tiny amout of small Hamas fish every few years. Now, it is an armored regiment so we mostly serve as low grade infantry but still... One Hamas capturing operation is equal to 200 regiments like my own. So it makes me more of a liability when you think about it. ( try telling that reasoning to a court marshal ) . If I feel this way I might not be the only one.

Thing is, the media is only harping on the voices of high schoolers about to be drafted who say they will dodge serving because they don't want to serve a country that "will leave a Shalit in captivity". Well, F*** YOU little kids. Who gives a S*** what they think ?

On a more national level, this makes a mockery of our justice system. If someone gets 10 life sentences and walks free then it's all meaningless. Why should only jailed Arabs walk free. Why shouldn't gangsters start kidnapping people off the streets to free their pals.

It also makes a mockery of all the citizens who died, and will die when these guys get back to the West Bank. Statistics have shown that 60% of those released in previous exchanges have returned to "business".


For the endangered species of Israeli left, it's especially problematic because we're selling off our moderate "friends" on the Palestinian side to Hamas.


Why then ? Why will this happen ?


What's the difference between Gilad Shalit and those, say, 150 people whol will die ? He has a name, he has a face. The media have made sure that we know all about him, about the children's book he wrote, about his noble parents. He is a house guest in every home. Armies of local celebs have joined campaigns for him like Angelina for Africa. I don't want to get flamed but I'll point out I've mostly seen support for this move from women. Usually young women. I guess they are more prone to "think" with their heart, whatever that means.


I used to think this had something to do with keeping a clear consciouss and dodging responsibility. Thinking along the line "if Gilad dies then it's my fault but if those 150 die later well that's just bad luck to them".


Now I belive it's deeper than that. People are so used to pain they just want the 30 seconds of joy of seeing Gilad back. Who cares what happens after. Like an addict waiting for his next fix. Who cares about rotting teeth or ODing ?


In conclusion, I think the media is a rabid watchdog. There is no true democracy to be found when it's okay to brainwash them for rating. My hunch is non democracies like Singapore are the correct form of government for the coming decades.





*militants, freedom fighters if you wish. I'm not making this about the Palestinians.