My father just told me about this song by Peter Himmelman, “Maximum Restraint.” Himmelman, in addition to being a singer-songwriter in his own right is also Bob Dylan’s son-in-law.
In the song, Himmelman mocks calls for Israel to exercise “maximum restraint” in response to rocket attacks.
Here’s a taste of the lyrics:
They’re shooting grads and quassams, from hospitals, mosques and schoolsWhen they photograph their dead and dying Hamas just sits and droolsAnother photo op to take, take straight to CNNthey paint Israel as the aggressor – and then it all begins againWhen someone comes to kill youIn the middle of the nightDon’t try to defend yourselfDon’t use an ounce of mightJust sit there quietly and try hard not to faintAs the world calls out for – maximum restraint
Himmelman like his father-in-law is a folk rocker from Minnesota. His defense of Israel and criticism of the world’s hypocrisy echoes Dylan’s 1980’s release “Neighborhood Bully” which included this lyric:
Then he destroyed a bomb factory, nobody was gladThe bombs were meant for him. He was supposed to feel bad
I guess the times haven’t a-changed all that much.
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