Israel

It is only natural for Israeli hearts to pause at the prospect of merging with America. On careful consideration, though, the heart can beat onward with calm assurance. Union risks neither physical nor economic survival, and impinges upon neither local politics nor national culture.

The Two Stars Plan addresses emotional reasons to hesitate as well as it does logical reasons to proceed. Union with America is the next step in the cultural evolution of the Israeli people. It lets Israel be a vibrant part of a great nation, a progressive arm of a democratic union and a safe haven for the entire spectrum of Jewish faith.

By using a global rather than a merely regional measuring stick, it is possible to hit all three of Israel's aspirations - greatness, democracy and Judaism. For such a grand achievement, it is worth it to rise to the big challenge and to take the measured risk.