Trump’s religion test for immigrants is standard practice in Israel

[ellenrr]

The widespread political condemnation of Donald Trump’s call for a ban on Muslims entering the United States and for surveillance of mosques was pretty great yesterday. American leaders left and right said that such policies are unconstitutional and counter to U.S. values. “Donald Trump is a race-baiting, xenophobic religious bigot,” Senator Lindsey Graham said emphatically.

But those leaders are strong supporters of Israel (“The pro-Israel community has been the heart and soul of my campaign,” Graham told Jewish Insider), and Israel practices many of the policies that Trump wants the U.S. to implement.

For instance, Israeli airport security officials routinely ask travelers what their religion is and often bar Muslims as a result. Last night, Chris Matthews was enraged by Trump’s recommendation that American immigration officials ask travelers if they are Muslim. But our own State Department has blasted Israel for denying “entry or exit without explanation”– notably to “those whom Israeli authorities suspect of being of Arab, Middle Eastern, or Muslim origin.” [emphasis mine].

- See more at: http://mondoweiss.net/2015/12/trumps-religion-test#sthash.ndhiyTaI.dpuf

[Hekate]

1. Here's the thing: those countries are NOT the United States.

I don't give a good god damn what other countries do, but I care very much what WE do. Instead of comparing us to, say, Israel (which was founded as a quasi-theocracy) -- or Putin, much admired by some Americans -- why not yank hard on the politicians who think we ought to emulate them?

[steve2470]

2. +100000 nt

[Yorktown]

3. Keeping a tab on Muslims/Islam was an existential necessity for Israel

The Hamas Charter calls for the destruction of the State of Israel.

Israel's solutions might become necessary if islamic terrorism spreads.