Ceasing Fire

I echo Kris' and Nicole's pleas to donate to the Lebanese Red Cross (or in my case, the Canadian Red Cross because I couldn't get the Lebanese Red Cross website to work for me).

Also, if you are so inclined, think about signing this petition for a ceasefire.

I counter all the talk about principled stands (Mr. Harper) and sustainable, long-term solutions (Mr. Bush) with two points:
1. Calling your own "measured response" response principled implies that anyone who holds a different view takes a stand that is not principled. It's a rhetorical device used by those whose opinions are in the minority and want to shore up their own position. Demanding an immediate ceasefire is also a principled stand; it's just one based on different principles.
2. An immediate ceasefire and a long-term sustainable solution need not be mutually exclusive.

I know the above comments are a little out of date, but they've been in my head for a while and I wanted them out there.