How many Democrats have been at all critical of Israel

[CuteNFuzzy]

during the current aggression in Lebanon?

Seriously, I would like to see any reference to even the slightest mention of doubt as to Israeli actions taking place.

Post any criticism by any Democrat in Washington here, thank you.

[Tyler Durden]

1. Not enough.

And I'm getting a little pissed off at Harry Reid, too.

[NotGivingUp]

12. The brainwashing of Americans has been very successful..

in this area. Nobody in either party can speak out against Israel...so the huge mess just keeps gettng bigger. I wonder just where this is all going to end. Our system here is so broken it's not funny.

[Jacobin]

2. Of course not

They'd be labeled 'antisemitic' and that would be the end of them.

Such is the state of discourse in our country.

[Name removed]

3. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ShortnFiery]

4. None! Only Dennis Kucinich is calling for a cease fire

without assigning blame.

[Freddie Stubbs]

10. So, he hasn't been critical of Israel either?

:shrug:

[ShortnFiery]

22. He, like most of us humanitarian people, just want to stop the killing

:shrug: I understand. Why are NOT our Democratic Representatives WORKING to stop the killing (and dying) on both sides?

[NVMojo]

5. ME

[porphyrian]

I'd say most of the Democrats here.

If you mean our elected representatives, they are doing the right thing in not singling out either side for their atrocities, but are supporting Israel as our only Democratic ally in the Middle East.

Singling out Israel for condemnation appears, whether intentionally or not, to be excusing the actions of Arab terrorists against Israeli civilians.

[CuteNFuzzy]

8. How could it possibly be considered "singling out" Israel?

Hizballah is widely condemned and criticized. So where would the "singling out" occur?

[porphyrian]

14. In posts that are solely critical of Israel.

Do you have a problem understanding "singling out?" It's a rather simple concept.

[CuteNFuzzy]

16. The question is clear

I've asked about Democrats in Washington - should I make a precise list with checkboxes?

[porphyrian]

20. If you don't like the answers you get, don't ask. - n/t

[CuteNFuzzy]

21. Ha! ok perhaps the O.P. was unclear

my fault

[The Stranger]

25. Why is a post required to have a disclaimer if it is critical of Israel?

There is no requirement to include more than one country in any post. If someone wants to post something about Israel, and only about Israel, they haven't "singled-out Israel." They have simply exercised their right to post a post about Israel and, for whatever reason, saw no need to include any other country.

[porphyrian]

33. I guess you didn't read my entire post.

I said, "Singling out Israel for condemnation appears, whether intentionally or not, to be excusing the actions of Arab terrorists against Israeli civilians." Now, you can feel that's unfair, frame it differently and get upset when you're attacked for insisting on doing it your way if you like.

There are a number of reasons that this is a powederkeg issue that gets an instant defensive reaction. I'm explaining how to get past that so that constructive discussion can occur. I don't require you personally to understand or like it.

[The Stranger]

35. Well, there are several reasons why that is wrong.

Here's one. Some on DU may single out Israel's killing of innocent civilians because their U.S. tax dollars are being used by Israel to kill the innocent Lebanese civilians. That is decidedly not the case with dead Israeli civilians. So they may be posting or articulating one side because it involves them and their country. The other side does not share this close involvement to them.

And their posting about dead Lebanese civilians murdered with U.S. weapons and provided as military aid to Israel, who then uses the weapons to murder civilians, should not have to also include other dead civilians, in part because those deaths were not caused by the poster's own country's weapons provided as part of their own country's military aid.

[porphyrian]

36. Like I said, I don't care if you agree or understand. - n/t

[The Stranger]

39. The problem is that I understand all too well.

And others may care, even if you don't purport to care.

[blonndee]

18. See this, please.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1732639

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

6. The "not as bad party" is living up to it's reputation.

In this case, the "not as bad" is minimalized to "equally as bad".

[earthside]

7. Ha!

In Colorado, any Democrat that might be critical of whatever Israel does ... would be FINISHED as a politician.

The real kingmakers in this state are stationed in a downtown Denver law firm, no mistake about it, and we all know it.

You won't find any such critical statements from Democrats in power or aspiring to power coming out of this state!

[Balbus]

9. If there's one it's one too many.

[jsamuel]

11. see this thread

I introduce you to the PEACEMAKERS

[jsamuel]

13. and this one

NYT: Democratic Opponent of Clinton Criticizes Actions of Israel

[CuteNFuzzy]

17. thank you

[CuteNFuzzy]

19. thanks jsamuel

Although I agree with the resolution, I don't see any actual criticism or questioning what Israel is doing. Did I miss it somewhere?

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

15. Have any Democrats been critical of Israel at any other time?

I'm talking about any previous actions including the handling of the Palestinian issue.

Or have we basically arrived at the point where any political party that came to power in Israel and any of their actions, no matter how extreme, would be met with silent approval over here?

There appears to be far more dissent in the Knesset over Israel's actions than in our own Congress.

[CuteNFuzzy]

23. good point

I can't think of any other time either :(

[CuteNFuzzy]

24. Hilary Clinton's anti-war opponent is the only one?

surely there must be more?

[Opusnone]

27. You keep asking like you don't already know the answer

Is this to make a point of something which we already know?

[CuteNFuzzy]

31. No point, I really want to know

[flpoljunkie]

29. Must read. Jonathan Tasini: "Touching the Third Rail of Politics"

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-tasini/touching-...

I’ve touched the “third rail” of politics in New York: the Israel-Palestine conflict, the dreadful occupation and the never-ending violence that is spinning out of control, in large part because the United States—and politicians like Hillary Clinton—continue to blindly pursue a one-sided policy in the Palestinian-Israel conflict, a policy that is causing more death and sorrow for civilians on all sides of the conflict.

From the beginning of this race, I was committed to speaking the truth, whether about the Iraq war/occupation or abusive corporate power or the corruption coursing through our political system. People are simply fed up with the pandering, the triangulation and the inability to speak the truth that is endangering our country’s future, our relations in the world and our well-being at home. We need a real opposition party, a Democratic Party with a vision that has the spine to stand for something authentic and honest.

It’s worth voters in New York knowing a little about where I come from on the issue of Israel-Palestine and the raging conflict engulfing the region today. I speak about Israel out of love and pain, in the same way that I am a deeply patriotic American who is harshly critical of our government and its behavior in Iraq—and of Hillary Clinton’s vote to send our men and women to die into an illegal, immoral war.

My father was born in then-Palestine. He fought in the Haganah (the Israeli underground) in the war of independence; my father’s cousin, whose name I carry as a middle name, was killed in that war. I lived in Israel for seven years, during which I went through the 1973 war: a cousin of mine was killed in that war, leaving a young widow and two children, and his brother was wounded. My step-grandfather, an old man who was no threat to anyone, was killed by a Palestinian who took an axe to his head while he was sitting quietly on a park bench. Half my family still lives in Israel. I have seen enough bloodshed, tears, and parents burying their children to last many lifetimes.

For that reason, I believe passionately in a two-state solution, which includes a strong, independent, economically viable Palestinian state existing along side a strong, independent, economically vibrant Israel. It is the only solution that will bring peace to the civilians who now live in fear of death raining down from above—either because of the missiles of Hezbollah or the bombs of Israeli aircraft.

<>The problem is not the debate in Israel. The problem is the debate—or lack thereof—in the United States.

more...worth reading in its entirety

[Armstead]

26. Congresspeople Dennis Kucinich and Loretta Sanchez...

They appeared at a rally of the Arab American League (I think that's the name) and both criticized the extent of Israel's overreaction, and they called on the US to intervene.

[dogday]

28. I have not taken part in those threads

I see a two sided situation in which nobody wins and everyone dies...

[CuteNFuzzy]

30. What are the two sides?

[dogday]

34. I just said it

nobody wins is one side, everyone loses is another....

[Marie26]

32. Pretty much none.

I'd like to see a Democrat who calls for a ceasefire - which is more important anyway then simply being pro or anti-Israel.

[madfloridian]

37. A letter sent in 2003 still works today to keep them in line.

September 10, 2003

The Honorable Howard Dean
P.O. Box 1228
Burlington, VT 05402

Dear Governor Dean:

We are writing to respond to your comments on the Middle East at a recent
campaign event and in Tuesday's candidate debate and explain why we believe
it is wrong to say the U.S. should "not take sides" in the
Israeli-Palestinian dispute.

American foreign policy has been - and must continue to be - based on
unequivocal support for Israel's right to exist and to be free from terror.
The Palestinians have at best been ambivalent about their willingness to
accept Israel's existence and from Yasir Arafat on down they have promoted
or acquiesced in the use of terrorism as a tactic in their struggle. It is
unacceptable for the U.S. to be "evenhanded" on these fundamental issues.

All of us want a genuine peace process to succeed, and all of us accept the
legitimacy of a Palestinian state once the Palestinian leadership and people
recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and not only renounce
the use of violence but at last take action to dismantle the terrorist
infrastructure inside the Palestinian Authority. Time and time again, the
Israeli people have shown their willingness to take risks for peace. But
they will only do so with the knowledge that U.S. support for Israel will
not waver.

It is important for America to help facilitate a peaceful resolution of the
conflict, but in playing this role we must be true to our values and make
sure that all parties clearly understand our policies. This is not a time to
be sending mixed messages; on the contrary, in these difficult times we must
reaffirm our unyielding commitment to Israel's survival and raise our voices
against all forms of terrorism and incitement.

Sincerely,

Howard L. Berman
Nancy Pelosi
Robert Matsui
Steny Hoyer
Martin Frost
Nita Lowey
Tom Lantos
Edward Markey
Chet Edwards
Ben Cardin
Steve Rothman
Steve Israel
Gary Ackerman
Barney Frank
Rahn Emanuel
Adam Smith
Anthony Weiner
Chris Bell
Adam Schiff
Hilda Solis
Robert Menendez
Shelley Berkley
Robert Andrews
Joseph Crowley
Jose Serrano
John Larson
Ellen Tauscher
Dennis Cardoza
Patrick Kennedy
Linda Sanchez
Harold Ford Jr.
Brad Sherman
C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger
Alcee Hastings


http://www.house.gov/berman/letter_new.html

[CuteNFuzzy]

38. and we can now see where Dean 'stands'

in regards to the current situation