Kucinich Hires Critic of Israel for Hill Panel

[babylonsister]

I'm wondering about any kind of motives from this website, because I read a definite r/w slant usually. Take it for what it's worth.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0307/3128.html

Kucinich Hires Critic of Israel for Hill Panel

By: Daniel W. Reilly and Patrick O'Connor
March 14, 2007 04:54 PM EST


Democratic Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich of Ohio has hired an avowed critic of Israel to work on his subcommittee of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Calif.), who is Jewish and a staunch supporter of Israel, chairs the full panel.

Kucinich, who is again seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, hired Noura Erakat, a former grass-roots organizer, to work on the domestic policy subcommittee that he chairs.

Before coming to Capitol Hill, Erakat, a Palestinian, served as the national grass-roots organizer and legal advocate for the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, a group that seeks "to change those U.S. policies that both sustain Israel's 39-year occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, and deny equal rights for all."

Republicans and Democrats alike maintain hawkish diplomatic and financial support for Israel. But Democratic calls to withdraw from Iraq concern some members of the pro-Israel community.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) received a mix of boos and applause when she denounced the U.S. invasion of Iraq as a failure during her remarks to the annual meeting of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee on Tuesday.

Kucinich, an anti-war liberal, defended Erakat on her merits, saying he chose her from among many applicants.


more...

[ORDagnabbit]

1. Good the zionists are as bad if not worse than the neocons. n/t

[cali]

7. What a ridiculous and offensive statement

a zionist is simply someone who believes in self-determination for the Jewish people in the form of a state- in other words someone who supports the existence of Israel. There are, of course, very liberal zionists who actively work against the Israeli occupation. In fact, I'd hazard a guess that the vast majority of Jews are zionists. You do see where your comment leads, don't you?

[ORDagnabbit]

8. not all jews are zionists just like not all americans are neocons

but who is in control of the policy?


http://www.actionforunrenew.ndo.co.uk/pages/isreal_un_resolutions.htm

[cali]

9. LOL

No, and of course, I didn't say that. I said the vast majority of Jews worldwide are zionists, and that there are plenty of zionist peace activists. You do realize by your own statement, that Feingold and Boxer and Waxman and many others are worse then neocons? Care to comment?

[southerncrone]

2. Perhaps this will offer some balance.

[TheConstantGardener]

3. Why is this article dipping into racism/bigotry?

It feels pertinent to point out that Waxman is Jewish? What, should all people of the Jewish faith be rabid supporters of Israeli military policy -- and critics of that are all obviously "anti-Israel"? Horrible article.

[babylonsister]

5. Thanks. I wondered why Waxman's faith was an issue, too. nt

[Malikshah]

12. Funny, I thought the focus on Erakat was pretty biased as well

But hey-- it goes both ways here....

Background and documented records-- all match up

[Tom Joad]

15. There is nothing wrong with being Jewish or Arab American...

and both were mentioned here. Sometimes it is noted that Obama is African American...
All that is not racist or bigoted.

In Waxman's case, he is also a staunch supporter of Israeli policies that cause so much pain to so many people. It seems appropiate to mention his political point of view, and how that contrasted with Noura's, who supports human rights and peace.

[cali]

16. Are you actually suggesting that

Waxman does not support human rights and peace? Simply unbelievable. I hasten to add that I'll stack Waxman's achievement against Noura's any day of the week. But you're so obsessed with one issue, and so convinced that anyone who doesn't take precisely your position on I/P, doesn't support human rights and peace, that you discard the work of a really admirable person.

[Tom Joad]

17. I am not "suggesting" Waxman does not support Palestinian human rights

I am directly saying he does not support human rights for Palestinians. Fact of life. Most people in congress do not support human rights for Palestinians. Not a popular thing to do.
Would he speak out against expanding the settlements?
Would he say anything about the annexation wall and how it takes vital Palestinian land, and will destroy many Palestinian communities?
would he say anything about the large number of Palestinian Legislature being held in Israeli prison?
Would he say anything about women and children in Israeli prisons? Torture in Israeli prisons?
Would he say anything about home demolitions conducted by the Israeli military?
Would he say anything about what is happening in Hebron... that children cannot walk to school without international presence... and even with that are subject to brutal violence... with a well-funded-by-US taxpayer military "helplessly" standing by?
Would he say anything about destroying a power plant in Gaza crucial for drinking water and sewage treatment?

All the many things that you have shown concern for, Cali... has Waxman ever expressed any similar concern? Are there more than a handful of congresspeople who have?

I don't care about comparing his views to my views... but has he ever expressed a similar concern for Palestinian human rights the same way as B'tselem? Or Amnesty International? Or Human Rights Watch?

He probably does support "peace" of some sort. And i am glad he does oppose some of Bush's policies.

[Name removed]

18. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Tom Joad]

19. Seems you were unable to defend Mr. Waxman's support of

human rights for Palestinians. Perhaps there isn't any.
I was hoping instead for some evidence from Mr. Waxman's record that shows evidence that i was incorrect. I don't think there is.

Furthermore, you said i was "discarding" Waxman's career. I did not say that. You said that,it was your incorrect interpretation. I was not handling his career in any way. I said only that he was " a staunch supporter of Israeli policies that cause so much pain to so many people".

I presented evidence that would support that.

As for the reasons i speak out about Israel/Palestine issues exclusively this forum... for many the reasons might be obvious.

[cali]

20. I wasn't trying to defend him on that issue

I am suggesting that I agree with very few people in Congress on ALL issues, but don't discount them because of areas of disagreement. Waxman is a valuble and liberal guy. I am suggesting that I think it's foolish to judge legislators solely on this particular issue.

[aquart]

4. The Palestinians are there. Won't kill us to hear from one.

The whole point of democracy is that all points of view have a voice and are considered. THEN the majority tramples on them.

I'm pro-Israel and I have no problem with having a Palestinian remind us of their humanity. But then I have no problem with pulling out of Iraq, either.

[cali]

6. This article stinks

Why shouldn't Kucinich hire her? Presumably she's qualified and a good fit, and the mention that Waxman is Jewish, is completely weird.

[oberliner]

10. Kucinich is clearly controlled by ALCPAC

I see no other explanation for this decision.

[Tom Joad]

11. Two Words.

Noura Raaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwks!!!!

:toast: :toast: :toast: :toast:
:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[oberliner]

13. Dennis sure is good at surrounding himself with beautiful young women

First Elizabeth, now Noura!

I withdraw my claim that she was hired exclusively due to the influence of ALCPAC.

[Tom Joad]

14. In the case of Noura, she is also talented and dedicated to economic justice

a fine choice.