Jan 28, 2008 22:27 | Updated Jan 29, 2008 13:23
[Why AIPAC supports Obama]
By MEL LEVINE (a former Member of Congress from California and a former member of the board of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).You wouldn't know it from the flood of hysterical emails we have all seen, or from a fair amount of the commentary, but there is a groundswell of Jewish American support for Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign. That should hardly be surprising, for it is a reflection of the nature of our community. When he speaks - with eloquence, unmistakable authenticity, and passion - for the values we hold most dear, he renews our hope for America in these difficult times.
As a state legislator, a congressman, and a private citizen, I have been politically active in Jewish causes, including pro-Israel causes, for over 40 years, and have observed many presidential candidates. But Barack Obama is the first to so thoroughly capture the imagination of Jewish Americans.The reason, in my view, is that American politics for far too long has been dominated by partisanship, hate-mongering, and influence-peddling. The results are everywhere to see - a country where divisiveness thrives, whether it is between races, religions, or the haves and have-nots. (The top 2% of Americans earn 50% of America's income now - and decent health care and a quality education are beyond the reach of many Americans.) Now, into this polarized nation comes Barack Obama - with a strikingly different message, and a history of bridging divides and crossing frontiers, through his 25 years of political activism.
As a community organizer and leader in Chicago and New York, and throughout his 12 years in public office, he has epitomized the notion of tikkun olam ("repairing the world"). Barack Obama understands that we can only surmount our greatest challenges by finding common ground and nurturing an inclusive style of politics - in a radical break from the polarization which plagues our polity. More than most, Jewish Americans have benefited from progressive ideas and inclusive politics, and no candidate better represents that tradition than Barack Obama.
SOME, INCLUDING in these pages, have raised questions about whether Barack Obama is truly committed to maintaining the United States' support for Israel. In his speeches and public statements, his legislation and his voting record, he has proven himself to be a stalwart friend of Israel, committed to helping Israel in its search for peace with its neighbors, while standing strong with Israel against those who do not share this vision.
"I start with the premise that Israel is a stalwart ally of ours and their security cannot be compromised," Senator Obama pledged last year to an AIPAC audience in a widely-praised speech that described his travels in Israel, confirmed his unwavering commitment to the Jewish state and laid out his vision for protecting American interests in the Middle East. He understands the threats Israel faces, especially from terrorism and Islamist radicalism. "Our job is to never forget that the threat of violence is real," he told AIPAC.
In addition to burgeoning grassroots support, many Jewish leaders and pro-Israel activists are also joining the Obama campaign. "I am proud to say that he is unyielding in defending Israel's security," said longtime Jewish leader and philanthropist Lester Crown, "Obama's conviction holds fast whether the threat comes from Gaza or Teheran." In the United States Senate, Barack Obama has led the charge to tighten sanctions against Iran and make it easier for state and local governments to divest from companies that do business with the radical regime in Teheran - a high priority of the pro-Israel community in all 50 states. Consistently - before non-Jewish audiences as well as Jewish - Senator Obama insists that Israel must remain a Jewish state and strongly condemns anti-Semitism and anti-Semites.
Barack Obama has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Jewish community in raising the alarm about genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. "We must also consider using military force in circumstances beyond self-defense," Obama wrote in Foreign Affairs, [huurrray a warmonger is what israel loves!] including cases of genocide and mass atrocities. Unlike our current leaders, Barack Obama will confront the destabilizing and debilitating impact of America's reliance on imported oil.
Closer to home, Jewish Americans support Senator Obama because of his dedication to other bedrock causes in our community: promoting strong families and women's rights, including advancement in the workplace, protecting a woman's right to choose, and maintaining the separation of church and state. "I don't think that people of any faith background should be prohibited from debating in the public square," Obama said in a recent presidential debate, "But I am a strong believer in the separation of church and state. By the way, I support it not just for the state but also for the church, because that maintains our religious independence and that's why we have such a thriving religious life."
Barack Obama is a rare combination of an uncommon intellect, extraordinary decency, and proven leadership. Jewish Americans are understandably anxious about the direction in which our country is headed - both at home and abroad - and are eager for change. Barack Obama's unifying message, experience and life story promise to lead America toward a new and better future, renewing our community's faith in government and restoring our nation's standing on the world stage.
I have heard he used to be more friendly to Palestinian causes while a Chicago pol, but they are burying that now. Whether correct or not Obama really is a consummate politician, not one to worry about changing positions in a moment if needs be.
ReplyDeleteAre you shocked that a Democratic Party front runner supports Zionism? Color me shocked.
ReplyDeleteNo I am not shocked at all.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to draw attention to the fact that the mantra of "change" does not change certain realities: the desire for instigating violence on the Zionist's agenda!
"woohoo we like Obama because he says we can attack even before need to self-defend!"
Well, if I could vote, I would have picked Edward, but between Billary and Oh-bama, I pick Ohbam!
I think Mel should be at the head of the line when the next trains leave for the gas chambers. Its a shame nothing has changed in 70 years. There are always some Jews who cant recognize an existential threat to there existence. Barack Hussein Obama's actions, especially as they pertain to Rashid Khalidi, speak louder than his words.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteAnd you will be the other Jew who makes sure Mel gets on the train, right?