A plebiscite should be called in Gaza and the West Bank, brokered and heavily monitored by the UN so people can vote their conscience on points of discussion and negotiation with the state of Israel. I would like to see just how an uninfluenced Palestinian would consider the issues involved in negotiating a final settlement of every point of argument and interest. Would the UN do this? Can a cow fly?

This plebiscite will give us the real feeling and true character of the Palestinian desire for peace or the continuation of war. One way or the other a true picture of what these very confused people want will emerge. Hamas was elected by people fed up with Fatah theft and corruption. Hamas is setting itself up like the Nazis did, by eliminating the competition. They plan to take over Palestine and make wholesale changes in its laws and policies to promote the Syrian and Iranian interest. Once Hamas makes this transition, the opportunities for peace are null and void as the process will lie in the hands of Syrian and Iranian power brokers with the Palestinian people as pawns for continued misery.

Going back to the cow. If the UN put in an effective show of force, a lot of personnel, they could hold this plebiscite for the Palestinians and find out what they really want without the interference of Hamas, or Fatah terrorists peering down on them. These middle of the roaders are either there or they are not. If they are not, at least we will have a clearer picture and a better understanding of the situation. In any event, the Palestinians will all have an equal say without feeling pressured, threatened, or held as shields in front of thugs.

I think the biggest problem here is not the ability, if desired and acted on, of the UN to pull this off, it is how the plebiscite is worded, and what point is it serving. Should the issue be focused on its relationship with Israel, or for a charter of its own. I think it must include an opportunity to develop state laws and leadership in a checks and balances system to prevent any chance a police state from developing.