"Aces and Eights"

Do you remember the name "Wild Bill Hickok"? "Wild Bill" was the most famous "pistolerro" in the old west. He was famous for his lightening fast draw; he was deadly at close range. There have been numerous movies and television shows about Bill Hickok; some accurate, and some filled with typical Hollywood distortions. Bill was a Town Marshall for a while, and was a devoted gambler. Bill was also a very careful man. He knew that he was a target everywhere he went. When he stood at the bar, he always stood at the furthest place from the doors, so he could see who came in, and who left. Bill didn't like anyone standing behind him! Bill was said to be a good friend to those he trusted; and those folks were few and far between. Bill had a regular seat when he played cards; always having his back in a corner, not allowing others to walk behind him. Bill didn't make too many mistakes, but sometimes one mistake is all you need. Most western historians know this story, and it is backed up by all local accounts of this incident: Wild Bill wanted to get into a poker game one warm afternoon; he was itching for some action. His regular seat in the corner was filled, so Bill broke one of his most important rules and sat with his back exposed. As Bill looked down at a pretty good hand, "aces and eights", he was shot in the back by a coward who wouldn't have drawn on him face to face. Bill died that day; all because he made one mistake! When you are alone in your defense you can't afford to make mistakes; enemies are treacherous, and seldom fight fair! The Middle-East is kind of like that "old west saloon", and Israel is kind of like old "Wild Bill". All around that "saloon" are "hired guns" who want to destroy Israel; yet, they are all aware of the fact that Israel is too tough to take on face to face. In many ways, Israel is the "Fast Gun" in the Middle-East. Egypt has been at Israel's back for several years now, but that may soon change. Radical Islam groups are busy insinuating themselves into the "New Egypt", and their rhetoric is anything but friendly toward Israel. Iraq, Syria, Iran and Libya have made no secret of their hate for the people of Israel. Israel's "ace in the hole" has always been her friendship with America. Most of those bar-room bullies wouldn't be too aggressive because of Israel's "back up"; America! Since Barack Obama has occupied the White House, there is a perception of distancing America from Israel. Obama made his "apology tour" when he first became President, and since then, our policies in regards to Israel have become tepid in her defense. What has become of America's commitment to Israel? As an American, I find our new policies toward Israel very disturbing. Israel is, or was, our only true friend in the Middle-East. As Barack Obama has done his best to dismantle our missile shields and bow to Middle-East pressure against Israel, I believe Mr. Obama holds great responsibility for the atmosphere that is now pervasive in those nations that now are more brazen than ever in their calling for the destruction of Israel. I don't know if Israel can depend on America anymore. Personally, my advice to the Israeli people is make sure you get that "corner seat", and don't get caught with "aces and eights"; you are a true friend to freedom, and you deserve better from your "best friend"!