I had not wanted to re-enter this discussion but since it has gone off on a truly strange tangent by our resident authority on all things Middle East because the "authority"cannot afford medical insurance--or care--because of Israel I had to join in.

We need the money we are giving to Israel. Israel does not need it. Again, I question whether anyone in any other industrialized country would be willing to have many billions of dollars of their tax money being given to a country that doesn't need it, while they are not able to get health care to millions of their own citizens.

Let me see if I have this right---if Israel did not get U S aid we would have proper health care. If the war in Iraq continues, the aid to other Mid - East countries, and the all the aid around the world it would not enter the equation. Let me also understand this. Does this un-named poster (due to no personal responses)believe that Medical Insurance this poster cannot afford would miraculously appear if the U S stopped sending dollars around the world---but, mostly, to Israel? Try the word "politics" as to medical care, Social Security, and all other social programs.

It has always amazed me how far this nation has come given the self interst diplayed by so many people---from the politicos to the ---as the novel of years back once said---"The Great Unwashed". But we have. Mircacle of miracles.

As to medical care. I have to agree with this poster--who cannot be named. It is a sad thing that this nation does not have proper medical care for all its citizens. Which brings us to the comments in the previous paragraph of how it is we have come as far as we have. What we have to disagree on is the direct link between aid to Israel and Medical Insurance.

One particular line stands out----"...a country that does not need it"..

Let me translate that code for our readership---Rich Jews (ala Mr.A Hitler)!. Oil rich Arab nations that rcve aid and have dealings with our multinationals do not seem to bother our objective correspondent. Aid to Egypt----and guess who built the pyramids for no pay---does not seem to upset our aforementioned correspondent.

I think the bottom line is that there is no direct link between her medical problems and foreign aid---anywhere.

I hope the hysterectomy works out---sincerely. Perhaps a benefit concert. Though---proper insurance would be only right and would not really be connected to those Israelis who advanced medicine but but are not in need of U S Aid to maintain the nation because it is supported by ---you know those rich old---you know who.

I wonder, as a final thought, if there were no American Revolution and England kept he colonies how history would have turned out. As they said after the revolution---Who'd A Thunk it? Ok--no one ever said that---except me!.

Bill Hahn