"Sure, keep right on killing." (Photo:Reuters, Pool. NYT.)

Disproportionate....

You decide:

Toll, since the outbreak:

Lebanon
Military deaths 66
Civilian deaths 377
Wounded 1,550+

Israel
Military deaths 24
Civilian deaths 17
Wounded 360+

Statistics from here.

Twice yesterday, a confrontational co-worker tried to start an argument over the Lebanese invasion, both times in an elevator.

As the man both outranks me to the point where one word and he could have me fired and he's a bully, I refrained from engaging with him. But his approach was remarkable.

The first time, this armchair warrior from the safety and comfort of our intact, modern office building thousands of miles from the scene of bloodshed, blustered (for the benefit of another man in the elevator) that “They should just roll over the whole thing. Level it!” referring to Lebanon.

“They are,” I thought to myself sadly, turning away from his arrogant smirk.

The second time, after telling me that his mother was from Tel Aviv, he proceeded to lecture me. “They,” he said, meaning “the Arabs,” won’t rest until Israel is “wiped from the map. Pushed into the sea. They won’t rest until they’re all dead!”

The last sentence was more than a little ambiguous, considering the relentless pounding Israel is delivering to Lebanon and Gaza. Though I’m almost certain the "they" he was referring to again was the “Arabs” and not the Israelis.

Thinking back on the disturbing exchanges, I marvelled on how innocent people are still dying for the sins of World War II. Almost in a time-warp, the Israelis are virtuously fighting to right the wrongs of the Nazis, and in so doing are sowing an entirely new legacy of bitterness and vengeance that will continue for generations.

Also, talk about psychological projection. One of the most militarily powerful nations on earth feels threatened by homemade rockets.

It would be laughable, if it wasn’t so heartbreakingly terrible.