Humoring the headlines: May 18, 2018

Laurie Baron

Lamenting the Headlines: 
If I Were a Gazan (Melody: If I Were a Rich Man)

By Laurie Baron

SAN DIEGO — If I were a Gazan
Daidle deedle daidle
Daidle daidle deedle daidle dumb

I’d charge the fence while under gunfire.
I don’t need Hamas to enflame my ire.   
My circumstances are extremely dire. 
Why would I even be afraid
After years and years of the blockade?                                                                                                                                       

But I’m not a Gazan                                                                                                                                                 
Daidle deedle daidle
Daidle daidle deedle daidle dumb

I’m a Jew and understand our fate                                                                                                                   
What happened when we didn’t have a state                                                                                                                    
To defend it do we have to abrogate                                                                                                                          
The values that comprise our Jewish souls                                                                                                                                         
Should not include inflicting high death tolls?                                                                                                                  

Since we are all humans.                                                                                                                                          
Daidle deedle daidle
Daidle daidle deedle daidle dumb

Peace requires trade-offs from both sides.                                                                                            
Hard to do when there’s so much that divides.                                                                                  
Trump, Bibi, Sinyar won’t be our guides.                                                                                                  

Let’s refrain from assigning blame                                                                                                                                                                
If peace with safety are the real aim.                                                                                                 

Strive for coexistence.                                                                                                                                    
Daidle deedle daidle
Daidle, Just stop acting dumb!

*

Baron is professor emeritus of history at San Diego State University. He may be contacted via lawrence.baron@sdjewishworld.com. San Diego Jewish World points out to new readers that this column is satire, and nothing herein should be taken literally.