http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/publications/detail/kerry-turns-blind-eye-to-west-bank-terror
Ironically, an idiom originating more than two plus centuries ago — from an act of courage in meeting an enemy threat — today applies to an Obama administration choosing to ignore one.
The phrase “to turn a blind eye” applies when an undesirable truth exists but one opts to ignore it. Such ignorance can be covert — by simply refusing to see it — or overt, by means of a totally contrary declaration, hoping the listener gives it greater weight over what exists.
The phrase originated from the 1801 Battle of Copenhagen. British naval hero Adm. Horatio Nelson was under the fleet command of Adm. Hyde Parker. Engaging an opposing Danish fleet, an overly cautious Parker, using his ship’s signal flags, sent subordinates authority to withdraw.
On his ship, Nelson raised a telescope to his right eye — blinded in an earlier battle — exclaiming he saw nothing. He continued to press the attack — ultimately winning victory.
On Feb. 1, at a conference in Munich, Germany, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry — pressing the Israelis hard to reach an agreement with the Palestinians — made a declaration that ignores truth.
Warning increased terrorism lingered overhead for the Israelis if Palestinian talks failed, Kerry declared, “Last year, not one Israeli was killed by a Palestinian from the West Bank.”