Heads up, you lose. Tails we all lose – PUBLISHED IN JERUSALEM POST 2/1/2001

Dear Jonathan Pollard [American-Soviet-Israel spy];

The pardon of Marc Rich eliminated not only an opportunity of justice being served but it would have allowed the public to view the role that oil brokers play in furthering terrorism.

This debacle also makes a mockery of your fight for true justice. Although you have now shown remorse, into your 16th year for providing Israel with a “heads up”, your biggest mistake was that you should have charged more, stashed it away in Switzerland, and you would have got your comeuppance a little sooner. Where was your Yiddisha kop?

Your pal, Israel’s premier Barak, became so mesmerized by the glitter of “Richy Rich” that he failed to grasp that Rich’s under-the-table deals paved the way for Israel enemies to hit soft targets. It is ironic that while your actions strengthened Israel’s security, Rich’s brokerage operation softened the will of Israelis resulting in the embrace of spiked peace initiatives. Surely you are also wondering if Mr. Barak’s source of newfound wisdom comes from reading the funnies having forgotten the History of the Jews.

Barak brings shame to Jewish people who grew up believing that when push comes to shove our leaders would know better than to sell their souls in return for a good shmooze albeit with a womanizer supposedly with a good head, wouldn’t you agree? None of us should be all that surprised by Clinton’s call. His actions were simply in character but don’t try arguing that point to our senators Feinstein and Boxer.

The tail this pardon leaves may yet come back to bite us all. In prison you are safe from terrorist actions. Here in Del Mar surfing conditions have been pretty good lately, but who knows what sharks may appear as the oceans warm up.

Hang tight. Odds are help may yet come knocking on your door but don’t count on the Democrats.

Gary S. Gevisser
Del Mar, California