Memo to Tucker re: Iran

Dear Tucker,

Please note, this essay begins by mentioning race, religion, and ethnicity solely for the purpose of proclaiming their irrelevance to all that follows, and I am sure you agree.

Israel is a democracy. It holds uncorrupted free elections. Its commitment to free speech is second to none. Its politicians conduct robust debate without fear. Its commitment to minority rights is second to none. If you think America should choose its allies based on a shared commitment to freedom, democracy, and human rights, Israel belongs at the top of that list.

Israel is unique in this world in that it, and it alone, has enemies that wish it gone. Its enemies do not seek mere regime change. They seek population change. They wish the current population to disappear. Death is their first choice, exile is second. The words “existential crisis” are almost always an exaggeration when uttered by anyone other than an Israeli.

The entire world has an interest in preventing nuclear war. Any country that is likely to do a “first strike” is a country that the entire world should unite to ensure that it will not be permitted to have nuclear weapons.

“America First” has never meant America Only. We are dedicated to a proposition, not a piece of land. Any fight for freedom is our fight. Any democracy in danger deserves our help. Yes, our obligations to others are not unlimited. Yes, our soldiers volunteer to defend their families; they do not volunteer to fight and die in battles over local rivalries. Striking the proper balance between American priorities and world demands has been the challenge for 250 years. “Mission Creep” and “slippery slope” are always legitimate concerns.

There is zero Israeli desire for infantry assistance, and zero likelihood of American boots touching Iranian soil. Risking the lives of American pilots to achieve Iranian regime change is a debatable subject. Risking the lives of American pilots to destroy Iranian nuclear capabilities is also debatable. That debate must acknowledge, however, that America alone possesses the ordinance capable of getting to underground centrifuges. That debate must acknowledge that millions of freedom-seeking Iranians are worthy of assistance and encouragement.

Tucker, debatable means you are free to disagree, but if you conclude Israel’s continued existence is unworthy of risking a small number of American casualties, you abandon the challenge of finding balance. You convert America First into America Only.

G-Pub