from Charley Reese A FELLOW IN UPSTATE NEW YORK is mailing journalists in America asking us to pressure the powers that be to hold a presidential debate on the subject of America's Middle East policy.
The debate is an excellent idea. After all, we are fighting a war there, and the bulk of our problem with Middle East terrorism derives from our foreign policy, which can be summarized as supporting Israel's terrible treatment of the Palestinians while pretending to be interested in peace.
That is no longer the entire source of hostility, since the Bush administration has invaded two Muslim countries and is threatening war with a third, but the topic of our Middle East policy certainly deserves an airing and a full debate.
Alas, it will never happen. This might surprise you, but the reluctance of American politicians to hold an open debate on America's foreign policy in the Middle East is not the fault of the Israeli lobby. Oh, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee prefers to avoid any debate, but AIPAC couldn't stop one if the presidential candidates insisted on having it.
Support for Israel in this country is more complicated than just AIPAC. There is the real AIPAC and there is the exaggerated belief in AIPAC's influence by most American politicians and not a few media people. Then there is the Israeli government itself. Next, there are American neo-conservatives, many but not all of whom are Jewish and who have an unhealthy personal attachment to Israel. Finally, there is the cult of the Christian Zionists, who believe the Messiah can return only when all the world's Jews have gathered in Israel.
One would think a Messiah could return anytime he darn well felt like returning, but don't worry about it, all the world's Jews don't want to move to Israel.
As for the presidential debate, I think many of the candidates would develop scheduling conflicts, and those who didn't would simply engage in a contest of who loves Israel the most. That's what happens when American politicians visit AIPAC's annual meeting. It's "I love Israel," and the next candidate says, "I love Israel even more." There is such a frenzy of loving Israel, it's a wonder that members of the Israeli consular staff don't get swept up and kissed.
Jewish political influence stems from two factors. One, Jews tend to put their money where their mouth is. In contradiction to the stereotypes, Jews who can afford it are unusually generous givers, not only to politicians but to causes, charities and organizations they believe in. They set an example of generosity all Americans would do well to follow.
The second factor is just an accident of geography. America's Jews are largely concentrated in a few states with a lot of votes in the Electoral College—New York, Illinois, Ohio, California and Florida. In very close races, the Jewish vote could tip a state toward one candidate or another. Since most states have a winner-take all system, Jewish voters are courted by the politicians. The same thing applies to black voters, of course.
0 Have Your Say!:
Post a Comment