[Peace-discuss] Obama's racism

[Robert Naiman]

I think this is a case - there may be others - where the wisdom of the
Bible isn't going to be very useful.

In fact, there is no reason for Jerusalem to be a burdensome stone in
our era, nor for anyone to be cut in pieces.


On Thu, Jun 5, 2008 at 9:47 AM,  <ewj at pigs.ag> wrote:
> inexorable
> 1.      not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
> 2.      impervious to pleas, persuasion, requests, reason
>
> ...in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people:
> all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces,
> though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. - Zech 12.3
>
>
>> -------- Original Message --------
>> Subject: Re: [Peace-discuss] Obama's racism
>> From: "Robert Naiman" <naiman.uiuc at gmail.com>
>> Date: Thu, June 05, 2008 9:15 am
>> To: Peace-discuss <peace-discuss at anti-war.net>
>>
>> If folks want to bash Obama for his speech to AIPAC, they shouldn't
>> bash him for what he said about Iran, which was actually quite helpful
>> relative to U.S. political discourse - note the positive reaction to
>> his comments from NIAC - nor for "support for Israel" - criticism on
>> that means zero and has zero consequence.
>>
>> They should bash him for what he said about Jerusalem - that was off
>> the chart. That's what the Palestinians are talking about. Follow
>> their lead.
>>
>> Palestinians slam Obama on Jerusalem remark
>> http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/04/AR2008060402412.html
>>
>> On Thu, Jun 5, 2008 at 12:53 AM, C. G. Estabrook <galliher at uiuc.edu> wrote:
>> > I assume that the Anti-War *Anti-Racism* Effort will condemn this great
>> > liberal's unconditional support for a racist state.
>> >
>> > He's quite consistent with the position he took when he first ran for the
>> > Senate when he says here, "I will do everything in my power to prevent Iran
>> > from obtaining a nuclear weapon."  The Neocons have pointed out what that
>> > means: given the indisposition of the US military, nuclear weapons will be
>> > necessary to extirpate the Iranian nuclear industry and prevent
>> > counter-attack.  Obama knows that perfectly well.  His statement is not
>> > inadvertent.  --CGE
>> >
>> > ===============================
>> >
>> > <http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/06/04/prepared-remarks-obama-at-aipac-policy-conference/>
>> >
>> > BARACK OBAMA: It's great to see so many friends from across the
>> > country. I want to congratulate Howard Friedman, David Victor and
>> > Howard Kohr on a successful conference, and on the completion of a
>> > new headquarters just a few blocks away.
>> >
>> > Before I begin, I want to say that I know some provocative emails
>> > have been circulating throughout Jewish communities across the
>> > country. A few of you may have gotten them. They're filled with tall
>> > tales and dire warnings about a certain candidate for President. And
>> > all I want to say is - let me know if you see this guy named Barack
>> > Obama, because he sounds pretty frightening.
>> >
>> > But if anyone has been confused by these emails, I want you to know
>> > that today I'll be speaking from my heart, and as a true friend of
>> > Israel. And I know that when I visit with AIPAC, I am among friends.
>> > Good friends. Friends who share my strong commitment to make sure
>> > that the bond between the United States and Israel is unbreakable
>> > today, tomorrow, and forever.
>> >
>> > One of the many things that I admire about AIPAC is that you fight
>> > for this common cause from the bottom up. The lifeblood of AIPAC is
>> > here in this room - grassroots activists of all ages, from all parts
>> > of the country, who come to Washington year after year to make your
>> > voices heard. Nothing reflects the face of AIPAC more than the 1,200
>> > students who have travelled here to make it clear to the world that
>> > the bond between Israel and the United States is rooted in more than
>> > our shared national interests - it's rooted in the shared values and
>> > shared stories of our people. And as President, I will work with you
>> > to ensure that it this bond strengthened.
>> >
>> > I first became familiar with the story of Israel when I was eleven
>> > years old. I learned of the long journey and steady determination of
>> > the Jewish people to preserve their identity through faith, family
>> > and culture. Year after year, century after century, Jews carried on
>> > their traditions, and their dream of a homeland, in the face of
>> > impossible odds.
>> >
>> > [...]
>> >
>> > as President I will never compromise when it comes to Israel's security.
>> >
>> > Not when there are still voices that deny the Holocaust. Not when
>> > there are terrorist groups and political leaders committed to
>> > Israel's destruction. Not when there are maps across the Middle East
>> > that don't even acknowledge Israel's existence, and government-funded
>> > textbooks filled with hatred toward Jews. Not when there are rockets
>> > raining down on Sderot, and Israeli children have to take a deep
>> > breath and summon uncommon courage every time they board a bus or
>> > walk to school.
>> >
>> > I have long understood Israel's quest for peace and need for
>> > security. But never more so than during my travels there two years
>> > ago. Flying in an IDF helicopter, I saw a narrow and beautiful strip
>> > of land nestled against the Mediterranean. On the ground, I met a
>> > family who saw their house destroyed by a Katyusha Rocket. I spoke to
>> > Israeli troops who faced daily threats as they maintained security
>> > near the blue line. I talked to people who wanted nothing more
>> > simple, or elusive, than a secure future for their children.
>> >
>> > I have been proud to be a part of a strong, bi-partisan consensus
>> > that has stood by Israel in the face of all threats. That is a
>> > commitment that both John McCain and I share, because support for
>> > Israel in this country goes beyond party. But part of our commitment
>> > must be speaking up when Israel's security is at risk, and I don't
>> > think any of us can be satisfied that America's recent foreign policy
>> > has made Israel more secure.
>> >
>> > [...]
>> >
>> > Our alliance is based on shared interests and shared values. Those
>> > who threaten Israel threaten us. Israel has always faced these
>> > threats on the front lines. And I will bring to the White House an
>> > unshakeable commitment to Israel's security.
>> >
>> > That starts with ensuring Israel's qualitative military advantage. I
>> > will ensure that Israel can defend itself from any threat - from Gaza
>> > to Tehran. Defense cooperation between the United States and Israel
>> > is a model of success, and must be deepened. As President, I will
>> > implement a Memorandum of Understanding that provides $30 billion in
>> > assistance to Israel over the next decade - investments to Israel's
>> > security that will not be tied to any other nation. First, we must
>> > approve the foreign aid request for 2009. Going forward, we can
>> > enhance our cooperation on missile defense. We should export military
>> > equipment to our ally Israel under the same guidelines as NATO. And I
>> > will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself in the
>> > United Nations and around the world.
>> >
>> > Across the political spectrum, Israelis understand that real security
>> > can only come through lasting peace. And that is why we - as friends
>> > of Israel - must resolve to do all we can to help Israel and its
>> > neighbors to achieve it. Because a secure, lasting peace is in
>> > Israel's national interest. It is in America's national interest. And
>> > it is in the interest of the Palestinian people and the Arab world.
>> > As President, I will work to help Israel achieve the goal of two
>> > states, a Jewish state of Israel and a Palestinian state, living side
>> > by side in peace and security. And I won't wait until the waning days
>> > of my presidency. I will take an active role, and make a personal
>> > commitment to do all I can to advance the cause of peace from the
>> > start of my Administration.
>> >
>> > The long road to peace requires Palestinian partners committed to
>> > making the journey. We must isolate Hamas unless and until they
>> > renounce terrorism, recognize Israel's right to exist, and abide by
>> > past agreements. There is no room at the negotiating table for
>> > terrorist organizations. That is why I opposed holding elections in
>> > 2006 with Hamas on the ballot. The Israelis and the Palestinian
>> > Authority warned us at the time against holding these elections. But
>> > this Administration pressed ahead, and the result is a Gaza
>> > controlled by Hamas, with rockets raining down on Israel.
>> >
>> > The Palestinian people must understand that progress will not come
>> > through the false prophets of extremism or the corrupt use of foreign
>> > aid. The United States and the international community must stand by
>> > Palestinians who are committed to cracking down on terror and
>> > carrying the burden of peacemaking. I will strongly urge Arab
>> > governments to take steps to normalize relations with Israel, and to
>> > fulfill their responsibility to pressure extremists and provide real
>> > support for President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad. Egypt must cut
>> > off the smuggling of weapons into Gaza. Israel can also advance the
>> > cause of peace by taking appropriate steps - consistent with its
>> > security - to ease the freedom of movement for Palestinians, improve
>> > economic conditions in the West Bank, and to refrain from building
>> > new settlements - as it agreed to with the Bush Administration at
>> > Annapolis.
>> >
>> > Let me be clear. Israel's security is sacrosanct. It is non- negotiable.
>> >
>> > [...]
>> >
>> > There is no greater threat to Israel - or to the peace and stability
>> > of the region - than Iran. Now this audience is made up of both
>> > Republicans and Democrats, and the enemies of Israel should have no
>> > doubt that, regardless of party, Americans stand shoulder-to-
>> > shoulder in our commitment to Israel's security. So while I don't
>> > want to strike too partisan a note here today, I do want to address
>> > some willful mischaracterizations of my positions.
>> >
>> > The Iranian regime supports violent extremists and challenges us
>> > across the region. It pursues a nuclear capability that could spark a
>> > dangerous arms race, and raise the prospect of a transfer of nuclear
>> > know-how to terrorists. Its President denies the Holocaust and
>> > threatens to wipe Israel off the map. The danger from Iran is grave,
>> > it is real, and my goal will be to eliminate this threat.
>> >
>> > But just as we are clear-eyed about the threat, we must be clear
>> > about the failure of today's policy. We knew, in 2002, that Iran
>> > supported terrorism. We knew Iran had an illicit nuclear program. We
>> > knew Iran posed a grave threat to Israel. But instead of pursuing a
>> > strategy to address this threat, we ignored it and instead invaded
>> > and occupied Iraq. When I opposed the war, I warned that it would fan
>> > the flames of extremism in the Middle East. That is precisely what
>> > happened in Iran - the hardliners tightened their grip, and Mahmoud
>> > Ahmadinejad was elected President in 2005. And the United States and
>> > Israel are less secure.
>> >
>> > [...]
>> >
>> > Senator McCain offers a false choice: stay the course in Iraq, or
>> > cede the region to Iran. I reject this logic because there is a
>> > better way. Keeping all of our troops tied down indefinitely in Iraq
>> > is not the way to weaken Iran - it is precisely what has strengthened
>> > it. It is a policy for staying, not a plan for victory. I have
>> > proposed a responsible, phased redeployment of our troops from Iraq.
>> > We will get out as carefully as we were careless getting in. We will
>> > finally pressure Iraq's leaders to take meaningful responsibility for
>> > their own future.
>> >
>> > We will also use all elements of American power to pressure Iran. I
>> > will do everything in my power to prevent Iran from obtaining a
>> > nuclear weapon. That starts with aggressive, principled diplomacy
>> > without self-defeating preconditions, but with a clear-eyed
>> > understanding of our interests. We have no time to waste. We cannot
>> > unconditionally rule out an approach that could prevent Iran from
>> > obtaining a nuclear weapon. We have tried limited, piecemeal talks
>> > while we outsource the sustained work to our European allies. It is
>> > time for the United States to lead.
>> >
>> > There will be careful preparation. We will open up lines of
>> > communication, build an agenda, coordinate closely with our allies,
>> > and evaluate the potential for progress. Contrary to the claims of
>> > some, I have no interest in sitting down with our adversaries just
>> > for the sake of talking. But as President of the United States, I
>> > would be willing to lead tough and principled diplomacy with the
>> > appropriate Iranian leader at a time and place of my choosing - if,
>> > and only if - it can advance the interests of the United States.
>> >
>> > [...]
>> >
>> > I was interested to see Senator McCain propose divestment as a source
>> > of leverage - not the bigoted divestment that has sought to punish
>> > Israeli scientists and academics, but divestment targeted at the
>> > Iranian regime. It's a good concept, but not a new one. I introduced
>> > legislation over a year ago that would encourage states and the
>> > private sector to divest from companies that do business in Iran.
>> > This bill has bipartisan support, but for reasons that I'll let him
>> > explain, Senator McCain never signed on. Meanwhile, an anonymous
>> > Senator is blocking the bill. It is time to pass this into law so
>> > that we can tighten the squeeze on the Iranian regime. We should also
>> > pursue other unilateral sanctions that target Iranian banks and assets.
>> >
>> > [...]
>> >
>> > Finally, let there be no doubt: I will always keep the threat of
>> > military action on the table to defend our security and our ally
>> > Israel. Sometimes there are no alternatives to confrontation. But
>> > that only makes diplomacy more important. If we must use military
>> > force, we are more likely to succeed, and will have far greater
>> > support at home and abroad, if we have exhausted our diplomatic efforts.
>> >
>> > That is the change we need in our foreign policy. Change that
>> > restores American power and influence. Change accompanied by a pledge
>> > that I will make known to allies and adversaries alike: that America
>> > maintains an unwavering friendship with Israel, and an unshakeable
>> > commitment to its security.
>> >
>> > As members of AIPAC, you have helped advance this bipartisan
>> > consensus to support and defend our ally Israel. And I am sure that
>> > today on Capitol Hill you will be meeting with members of Congress
>> > and spreading the word. But we are here because of more than policy.
>> > We are here because the values we hold dear are deeply embedded in
>> > the story of Israel.
>> >
>> > Just look at what Israel has accomplished in 60 years. From decades
>> > of struggle and the terrible wake of the Holocaust, a nation was
>> > forged to provide a home for Jews from all corners of the world -
>> > from Syria to Ethiopia to the Soviet Union. In the face of constant
>> > threats, Israel has triumphed. In the face of constant peril, Israel
>> > has prospered. In a state of constant insecurity, Israel has
>> > maintained a vibrant and open discourse, and a resilient commitment
>> > to the rule of law.
>> >
>> > As any Israeli will tell you, Israel is not a perfect place, but like
>> > the United States it sets an example for all when it seeks a more
>> > perfect future. These same qualities can be found among American
>> > Jews. It is why so many Jewish Americans have stood by Israel, while
>> > advancing the American story. Because there is a commitment embedded
>> > in the Jewish faith and tradition: to freedom and fairness; to social
>> > justice and equal opportunity. To tikkun olam - the obligation to
>> > repair this world.
>> >
>> > I will never forget that I would not be standing here today if it
>> > weren't for that commitment. In the great social movements in our
>> > country's history, Jewish and African Americans have stood shoulder
>> > to shoulder. They took buses down south together. They marched
>> > together. They bled together. And Jewish Americans like Andrew
>> > Goodman and Michael Schwerner were willing to die alongside a black
>> > man - James Chaney - on behalf of freedom and equality.
>> >
>> > Their legacy is our inheritance. We must not allow the relationship
>> > between Jews and African Americans to suffer. This is a bond that
>> > must be strengthened. Together, we can rededicate ourselves to end
>> > prejudice and combat hatred in all of its forms. Together, we can
>> > renew our commitment to justice. Together, we can join our voices
>> > together, and in doing so make even the mightiest of walls fall down.
>> >
>> > That work must include our shared commitment to Israel. You and I
>> > know that we must do more than stand still. Now is the time to be
>> > vigilant in facing down every foe, just as we move forward in seeking
>> > a future of peace for the children of Israel, and for all children.
>> > Now is the time to stand by Israel as it writes the next chapter in
>> > its extraordinary journey. Now is the time to join together in the
>> > work of repairing this world.
>> >
>> >        ###
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>> >
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