OK.
There’s no getting around that I lean very progressive in my politics and
social outlook. I’m volunteering for @HillaryforWA, and yes, #ImForHer.
Today’s
AIPAC program, “featuring” all the presidential candidates (except for Bernie
Sanders, who now should be seen as nothing but a political clown), was an
absolute disgrace. Whereas I’m beyond arguing with AIPAC’s right/tradition to
invite all the candidates to have a forum in its conference – I remain
staunchly opposed to the idea that the delegates and attendees would cheer,
applaud, and basically condone the bigoted, misogynistic, racist, hateful
perspective of *ANY* candidate for our nation’s highest office (read here
Kasich, Trump, and Cruz). The behavior of those who did not excuse themselves
from the arena, or demonstrate silent protest, is anathema to Jewish values and
American custom. Today, I am nearly embarrassed to be an American, and American
Jew.
Thankfully,
I have never felt that AIPAC, nor its right-leaning and somewhat naïve core,
has spoken for me or the majority of American Jews – those of us who understand
that inclusivity and compassion are the guiding principles of how we regard our
fellow human beings, even and especially under the most difficult of
circumstances.
Yes,
Israel’s safety and security is a non-negotiable item for us as Americans; and
we are bettered when we also build cultural, economic, and social ties with the
Jewish state. However, praising blindly such candidates’ platitudes without
considering their broader perspective on human concerns is a violation of all
we hold dear.
Let
us not remain silent in the face of such horrific, even if popular, blustering
bravado.
