Jewish voters will stick by Obama (Politico)

I have been an active member of the pro-Israel community for most of my life. First, in community activities, supporting and serving on Jewish Federation boards, American Jewish Committee, and Anti-Defamation League, as well as in public office both at the state level and in the U.S. House of Representatives. No one can legitimately question my ardent and intensely personal support for Israel and for my advocacy for the unequivocal essential relationship between our government and the State of Israel.

While I supported President Bush?s expression of support when it came to understanding the threats of terrorism against Israel, I disagreed with his deliberate lack of any initiative to facilitate an Israel/Palestinian peace process for the first two years of his administration; that vacuum of leadership ultimately resulted in the second Intifada. Even more important was the harm caused by the Bush administration?s Iraq War, which as to most viewpoints around the world did more damage to U.S. foreign policy credibility in the Middle East and with our allies, and emboldened Iran in its quest for nuclear weapons and regional influence. This is where President Obama started his presidency.

Continue Reading

President Obama?s positions are not different substantively then President Bush or President Clinton. While I think that the way the president presents these consistent principles could be more artfully communicated, he is trying to move a process along that is stuck. However, let?s not confuse the policy with the politics. Those of us who support Israel with every fiber of our being are seeing a blatant political misinformation campaign which exaggerates or blatantly misstates the president?s position for the sake of winning the next election. Supporters of Israel should recognize that support of our leaders, while it should not be blind, cannot and should not be used as a political pawn or chip used recklessly for the sake of raw partisan politics. It was done during the Bush administration and it is happening now with a vengeance.

Most Jews and other supporters of Israel want peace. They know that it cannot be foisted on Israel, the Palestinians, or anyone else. They have to want it and negotiate and agree to a plan that THEY can believe will provide for long term security and stability. That is the position President Obama and his predecessors have all encouraged. Nothing more and nothing less.

Time is not on the side of peace. The enemies of Israel know this and they will avoid the peacemaking table. But that does not mean that there aren?t partners that may want a better life for their children and grandchildren. It will not be easy, but I appreciate every presidents? attempts, including President Obama, to encourage and facilitate a process for seeking peace. The president is showing profound and mature leadership, and while ultimately, it is up to the parties themselves, we cannot give up.

Former Rep. Ron Klein (D) represented Florida?s 22nd congressional district from 2007-11.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/politics/*http%3A//us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/external/politico_rss/rss_politico_mostpop/http___www_politico_com_news_stories0611_58062_html/42055266/SIG=11m39mljh/*http%3A//www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/58062.html

mitchel musso disney store disney store fsc hairspray alexis bledel athena