"Provocation"

In my younger days, I spent my time between card games, the race track, and a favorite tavern. Daryl was the owner, as a matter of fact, I only knew the tavern as Daryl's, even though that wasn't it's actual name. It was a blue collar place, not one of those noisy singles bars. Most of the patrons were working class guys; construction workers, printers, carpenters, and electricians. One of the "regulars" was Pat the "iron worker". Pat stood about 6' 4", and weighed around 225. He was a fairly quiet guy with a dry sense of humor and calm demeanor. Pat was also extremely strong. On one occasion, I remember some of the balls on the pool table being stuck in the table after Pat put in his quarter. A commercial pay pool table is about as heavy as a refrigerator full of food. Pat wanted to play pool, and he was serious. He reached down under the table with one hand, lifted the table to waist height, and shook it like a toy! The balls released and I had new respect for Pat!

Daryl had a substitute bartender, his name was "Big Mike", and he was big. He was a match in size for Pat. He was also a blow hard and a bully. He used his size to intimidate smaller and weaker men. "Big Mike" was a jerk.

One day while Mike was filling in for Daryl, Mike was exposed for what he was. Pat was in the bar minding his own business; Mike was spouting off at some poor guy in the bar. Pat said, "Mike, why don't you leave him alone, he's not bothering anybody?" Mike turned to Pat and glared at him mumbling a remark I didn't hear. Pat's expression changed as he rose from his bar stool and leaned across the bar. I'll never forget what he said, he looked directly into Mikes eyes and said, "You're making me mad, and believe me, you don't want to make ME mad!" I saw the color drain from Mike's face as he physically backed up and whimpered a weak "sorry" to Pat. Provoking Pat was a bad idea.

The point of this illustration is, if you look for trouble, and you look in the wrong place, you may live to regret it. Recently, Iran has done its' best to provoke Israel. It is no secret that Iran wants Israel destroyed. The constant haranguing statements about a middle-east without Israel; the denial of the Holocaust, and other provocative remarks are commonplace from the Iranian regime. Israel is well aware of Irans' nuclear ambitions, and the potential threat Iran is to Israel's security. Iran now, under the umbrella of "aid" to Gaza, is threatening to break an Israeli blockade to deliver "humanitarian" supplies to Gaza. This is a deliberate act of provocation; an attempt to cause Israel to use deadly force and ignite an already volatile situation. The Iranians must remember that Israel is not the United States, they will not wait. Israel will defend itself and they won't use limited response. This is especially dangerous now, as the United States seems to be distancing itself from Israel. No one will hold Israel back. I know reason doesn't rule very much in Iran; but Iran would be well served in reconsidering this provocative act. Back off while you can!