Jonathan Tasini: "On Israel, We Must Never Be Silent."

When I announced that I was entering the race for the US Senate, I began with a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” I am not a professional politician whose sole goal is to accumulate power, so I have the freedom to speak my mind and I will not be silent.

The truth is that while people view talking about Israel-Palestine as the “third rail” of politics in New York, the more I think about it, the more I realize that there are a growing number of people in the Jewish community who are willing to speak up, out of love for Israel, about 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-Israeli 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 in 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 alongside 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.

More here: http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0727-22.htm

I doubt the Clinton camp would agree to it at this point though. I wouldn't, if I was in her position.

Really. I want to see Israel at peace with her neighbors...I say that as friend. I don't have the answers to all of this, but somehow I think (and I never thought I'd say this) that Sharon would have chosen a different path. This is no good. If people refuse to understand where Tasini's heart is, then so be it. But I think this is the most honest statement that I've heard to date.

Ditto me on that!

TC

"...and politicians like Hillary Clinton—continue to blindly pursue a one-sided policy on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict..."
"...and of Hillary Clinton's vote to send our men and women to die in an illegal, immoral war..."

Yes, Hillary Clinton and just about every other member of Congress as well. They're to blame just as much as she is, so I find it unfair to constantly single her out.

Perhaps he's trying to show the voters of New York why they should vote for him instead of her? Duh!

I was unaware, thanks for clearing that up.

"Hillary Clinton has fanned the flames of the conflict (Israel/Lebanon) by recognizing and condemning the violence only against Israelis and effectively encouraging military action".

I'm sure Mr. Tasini doesn't believe that Hill has the power to put the brakes on the terrible destruction that continues in Lebanon.

edit: for word spacing.

That is not most of them. And an even greater percentage of the house did the right thing and voted "no."

Sorry, but this myth of only a few voting against a blank check for bush should be stopped. 22, some who were in swing states not blue, and who were in very tight races, got it right.

I was referring more to the current situation in Israel though, in which Hillary shares the view of virtually every other elected official. Sorry I didn't make that clear.

Saying that Israel has a "right" to defend herself is true. Saying that Hizbullah is a private army usurping control from the legitimate government of Lebanon is also correct. Ask yourself, why was Hizbullah still armed? If Lebanon controlled that piece of land, this would not be going on.

The elders of Hizbullah are very fat and rich. The young turks are in the field, not the people reaping the big bucks. Yes, Hizbullah has factions that have become a political party...good. But they also have kept Lebanon from taking over the schools and clinics in the south.

Now...has Israel gone too far? Could-should this have been handled differently? Should bush have been talking directly and diplomatically with Syria years ago? Yes. Yes. Yes. This is all part of the bush foreign policy meltdown.

The problem I have with certain politicians is their shrill pronouncements on this matter. Let's face it; this yammering isn't part of an educated understanding of this matter, nor does it help our country in any regional approach. Hillary and many others tend to go "over the top." The want to out-neocon the neocons. It is disgusting. Hillary is the name mentioned here, but she is NOT alone. Too many of the 08 candidates make little AIPAC financed trips to Israel and talk about bombing Iran. Disgusting.

and the last thing this country needs is another Bush or another Clinton. A dynasty is NOT the answer!

Bush - Clinton - Bush - Clinton blachhhhhk! Makes me sick just to type that.

This makes me want to start an organization called the "Partnership for a Bush-Free America."

next Senator.