Only a few…
Yesterday’s US Senate vote to stand behind Israeli terror passed unanimously without any objections. Things in the House of Representatives on Friday were not much better, but at least five members actually had the guts to vote against another shameful resolution, reasserting America’s undying love of Israel.
Dennis Kucinich (D-OH)
Gwen Moore (D-WI)
Ron Paul (R-TX)
Nick Rahall (D-WV)
Maxine Waters (D-CA)
Kucinich and Paul are already well-known for their negative views on the one-sided US-Israel alliance. Nick Rahall is one of several Arab American congressmen (the others voted in favor of the resolution). The only relatively unfamiliar name was Gwen Moore, but she appears to be another voice of reason in a house of fools.
Nevertheless, not all remaining representatives voted to express “vigorous support and unwavering commitment to the welfare, security, and survival of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders.” Over 20 of them chose to dodge the bullet by voting “present”:
Neil Abercrombie (D-HI)
Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
Peter DeFazio (R-OR)
John Dingell (D-MI)
Donna Edwards (D-MD)
Keith Ellison (D-MN)
Sam Farr (D-CA)
Raul Grijalva (D-AZ)
Maurice Hinchey (D-NY)
Hank Johnson (D-GA)
Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI)
Barbara Lee (D-CA)
Betty McCollum (D-MN)
Jim McDermott (D-WA)
George Miller (D-CA)
Jim Moran (D-VA)
John Olver (D-MA)
Loretta Sanchez (D-CA)
Pete Stark (D-CA)
Diane Watson (D-CA)
Lynn Woolsey (D-CA)
Almost exclusively Democrats from liberal states… The number of California representatives staying away from any meaningful decision can either be attributed to the large number of Arab American constituents they have, or the fact that the Speaker of the House is such a staunch supporter of Israel.
Yesterday, I praised Keith Ellison for his apparent understanding of the situation and his willingness to speak the truth, but many will be disappointed that his name is not on the first list, myself included. He tried expalining his decision (or lack thereof) but his reasoning fell flat. We all know how risky it can be for government officials who refuse to toe the line on Israel, but they have a responsibility to be brave. Their views are meaningless unless they are manifested in the halls of government. Represent!
Damn all those right wing extremist neocons in the democratic party! Damn them to hell!
My rep. Loretta Sanchez abstained as she usually on this type of resolutions. She doesn’t usually speak out for or against Israel. I scheduled a meeting with her staff members next week to give her more of an insight on this issue. Her district is the home of the largest Arab American population in California.
defazio from oregon is a d. he’s mine. i sent him a letter when all this started begging him to do something.. and all i got back was.. well, crap. hopes that hillary clinton will do something for the palestinians (i don’t believe she will). anyhow – i apologize for my house member. i wish he’d stood up and done the right thing.
Damn all those right wing extremist neocons in the democratic party!
Great we have someone that can explain it to Joe.