In Private Fundraiser, Keith Ellison Said Israel Controls US Policy

[ericson00]

https://www.algemeiner.com/2016/11/30/revealed-in-private-fundraiser-keith-ellison-said-israel-controls-us-policy/

Congressman Keith Ellison’s announcement earlier this month that he wants to be the Democratic National Committee’s next chairman drew quick support from several key lawmakers, including Jewish senators Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders.

Ellison’s backers have also defended him against claims that he may hold antisemitic views, as well as being anti-Israel. A column in Israel’s liberal daily Haaretz quotes two rabbis praising Ellison, as “the best of our constitutional democracy and the best of America” and “an extraordinary leader. Anyone who would associate him with any kind of hatred hasn’t met him and certainly hasn’t worked with him.”

But a 2010 audio of Ellison speaking at a private fundraiser obtained by the Investigative Project on Terrorism calls such praise into question. In a fairly intimate setting, Ellison lashed out at what he sees as Israel’s disproportionate influence in American foreign policy. That will change, he promised:

"The United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East is governed by what is good or bad through a country of 7 million people. A region of 350 million all turns on a country of 7 million. Does that make sense? Is that logic? Right? When the Americans who trace their roots back to those 350 million get involved, everything changes. Can I say that again?"

Not a good idea to make this guy chair, Democrats.

[killbotfactory]

1. What a buffoon, no politician cares about Israel's influence or AIPAC

oh wait, he's a Muslim. I get it.

[whathehell]

27. Lol...

[stevenleser]

120. That's a mildly interesting way to justify antisemitism

I guess.

[killbotfactory]

144. It's not antisemitism to recognize that Israel has a major influence on our foreign policy. nt

[stevenleser]

146. Depending on context it might be. And there is a lot of other context in that post. nt

[jfern]

2. So we need someone who hates Palestinians, right?

[ericson00]

3. No, we just need someone who won't alienate a core constituency

And who stands with the American mainstream

[jfern]

6. So the masters of identity politics decided that hating Palestinians is the right thing to do

Got it.

[elleng]

8. Yea, got it.

Haters gotta hate, and make sure others keep on hating.

[ericson00]

9. Umm Ellison is the one pushing more identity politics.

Standing with Israel is not identity politics; its an American bipartisan tradition. Including a Democratic tradition.

[jfern]

10. It's the 3rd way that is pushing identity politics.

[procon]

53. "Tradition?"

Like every other special interest group, the pro-Israel lobbying efforts have successfully bought political influence for decades. Whether it's the fossil fuel industry, Wall Street or Israel, there is a time honored "tradition" in America to sway our elected officials with generous campaign donations and swanky perks. This quid pro quo system of legalized bribery is nothing to be proud of.

[leftynyc]

54. Do you feel the same way

about AARP, Planned Parenthood, CAIR? Or is just the Jewish money that's icky?

[procon]

58. I cannot abide legalized bribery from special interest groups.

Its out of control. There is no oversight. There's no end in sight. Its bad enough when corporate lobbyists buy politicians to do their bidding, but its orders of magnitude worse when when foreign governments put their greedy thumbs on the scale too.

Why do you tolerate a system where politicians allow themselves to be bribed, corrupted and swayed by foreign interests to work against their own country?

[whathehell]

66. Thank you.

I couldn't agree more.

[leftynyc]

68. Blame Citizens United

And since I vote for those who want to overturn that repulsive law, you can't say I'm abiding anything. Just another thing many who stayed home on election day will have to suck up and not complain about.

[whathehell]

69. Those groups work

work in the service of Americans, not of a foreign country...Big difference.

[leftynyc]

70. No difference whatsoever

Being an ally of Israel IS in the best interest of Americans. That's why they have so much support.

[whathehell]

72. Says you

and the Jewish lobby, and you're either naive or dishonest to state that "the best interests of America" are synonymous with political support -- The election of Donald Trump comes.to mind.
..

[leftynyc]

74. Says the strong majority of Americans

Try and remember you represent a teeny minority when it comes to support for Israel. Here's the Pew study that proves what I'm saying. That you don't like the results is entirely your problem:

http://www.people-press.org/2016/05/05/5-views-of-israel-and-palestinians/

[whathehell]

78. The "strong majority" of Americans don't think much about Israel one way or anther..

especially beyond the point to which they've been proselytied to by Fox News and the Jewish lobby.

[leftynyc]

85. LOL

If you want to ignore a poll that gives the pretty much the same result every single year (they do it in February every year), knock yourself out. If you want to pretend that a 54% vs 17% isn't a STRONG majority, knock yourself out. If you want to blame fox news for Americans not caring about those who voted in a terrorist organization into power, knock yourself out. Although it does seem that reality has no place in your world if you want to ignore all those numbers. Not even the majority of Democrats agree with you - perhaps it's time to ask yourself why instead of lashing out at a news network that nobody here watches.

[whathehell]

118. "If you want to ignore a poll that gives 'preety much' gives the same result every year...

knock yourself out"

Gee...ONE Whole poll?

If you and AIPAC want to try to convince us of the value of THAT, you can go knock YOURSELVES out!

[leftynyc]

128. LOL - feel free

to post any poll that proves me wrong. Ooooooh - evil aipac - the most evilest organization in the whole entire WORLD. In fact, that pew poll shows that support for Israel has INCREASED in the last 10 years. Want to take a guess as to why THAT is? Nah, you'd rather live in the make believe world where Americans support a group that ELECTED a terrorist organization as their leaders. Your level of self delusion is both incredibly sad (for you) and hilarious (to me).

[whathehell]

141. Lol..Israel LOST on the Iran Nuke Deal despite spending MILLIONS lobbying

Congress and the American public via televised ads. That's what I find hilarious.

[shira]

161. Right, so the power of the Lobby is vastly overrated. Iran is by far...

...the biggest issue AIPAC has lobbied for in decades. The vast majority of Israelis, from Left to Right, opposed the Iran deal. It wasn't a Left/Right issue, just as it isn't in America where most oppose it.

[procon]

83. How so?

The US has many allies, most of whom aren't the recipients of such an excess of largess from American taxpayers. What is the government of Israel doing better than any of our other foreign allies to promote America's interests over their own?

[leftynyc]

86. Do you have any idea of

the amounts of intelligence, technology and business that alliance with Israel brings to the US? I think it may be time for DUers to get the fuck out of their bubble and figure out why so many Americans - across party lines - disagree with your disdain for Israel.

[procon]

95. It comes with too hefty a price tag,

especially when it is no different -- and even far less -- than what we might expect from other ally nations that do not regularly embroil us in their wars. We criticise our closest allies, but rarely does Israel even get a mild rebuke, why is that unconditional support of Israel become the norm and not offered to any other ally?

Just as you did above, any question -- just the question, mind you -- about America's “special relationship” with Israel, or disagreeing with Israeli government's policies, brings on an immediate swarm of "Antisemitism" accusations to stifle the discussion. Here's the thing, its disingenuous to try to shield Israel's national and foreign policies from scrutiny by the old charges of racism, ethnocentrism, and religious bigotry.

[leftynyc]

96. Oh pray tell

just which wars Israel has embroiled us in? Not one fucking American life has ever been lost fighting for Israel. NOT ONE. Would you like a list of how many Americans have died trying to help Muslim countries that ASKED for our help?

And you can stuff your "anti semite" charge. I never said that to you so stop pretending otherwise and whining that I did.

[procon]

98. Can you think of one war where the US did not supply Israel with all the major

funding, weaponry, munitions, intel support, military advice, political cover, and official backing against any and all global opposition? You can't take such a narrow, parochial view of the problem and expect to retain any credibility. At the very least, that blind following has hurt the US reputation as an honest broker in diplomatic efforts to find solutions amongst the regional stakeholders.

[leftynyc]

99. So you've switched from whining

about Americans getting involved in Israeli wars to whining about them buying our weapons (just like every other country out there that is an ally). The money given to Israel comes back to the US because most of it is REQUIRED to be used for weapons. Who gives a fuck what other country's have to say about our alliance - these are the same countries that couldn't wait to do deals with Iran and Russia but making money off THOSE countries doesn't seem to bother you in the slightest. That you don't think I have credibility on the issue only makes me laugh given your position.

[procon]

100. When you're reduced to tossing out personal attacks and F-bombing,

then your argument is pretty much cooked in weak sauce, yeah?

[whathehell]

135. +1000

[yesphan]

102. Not one American life lost

fighting for Isreal, but fighting against them............

https://www.usslibertyveterans.org/

[leftynyc]

103. Wow

I thought only nazi websites tried to bring up the Liberty which has been investigated more than once and found to be a tragic accident. Try selling that bullshit to the breitbart people, they will, no doubt, be more receptive than those of us with brains.

[ericson00]

126. the reason I won't report your post is so that the left-wing anti-Semitism can be exposed

so one day, it might be excised. It's no better than RW anti-Semitism; in fact, it may be worse because it can disguise itself under the PC and "anti-racist" cloak that festers into universities and colleges, as well as political parties.

[stevenleser]

143. Yep, I've never seen a USS Liberty reference that wasn't a smokescreen for antisemitism. nt

[shira]

90. America would be trillions more in debt if it didn't support Israel....

Without Israel being as strong as it is, the USA would have a dozen more aircraft carriers parked in that region permanently in order to help prevent a total meltdown as we've seen with the Arab Spring, Syria, etc.

There'd be a ton of US military personnel there too, meaning more body bags.

[leftynyc]

97. I'm sick to fucking death

of morons claiming American lives have been lost in Israeli wars. It's NEVER happened. And then get accused to calling someone an anti-semite when that's a fucking lie also. Sick of this shit.

[LanternWaste]

88. What precisely is the relevant and legal difference?

What precisely is the relevant and legal difference?

[leftynyc]

21. Who exactly are the masters

of identify politics? And who said hating Palestinians is the right thing to do?

[emulatorloo]

43. In 2016, Donald Trump was the master of 'Identity Politics'. He ran on hating minorities.

But top DU analysts won't acknowledge that.

[Demsrule86]

132. While I have deep sympathies for Palestinians and Israelis as well

The person who runs the DNC should not be involved in national politics...we win elections at the local level. It is irrelevant.

[malaise]

14. Ding ding we have a winner

Favorite group and all

[Demsrule86]

19. We need someone who is not controversial.

I like Dean...we were very happy with his 50 state strategy. I don't believe Ellison can win and he is elected...we need a full timer.

[whathehell]

29. Dean was against the Iran Nuclear deal..

Well, at least he'll be no Keith Ellison..

[Demsrule86]

32. I don't care about the Iran-Contra deal in a DNC chairman.

Dean is a genius in choosing candidates and competing in a greater number of states...and Keith Ellison made statements that will cause enormous trouble for us after they are played endlessly on various media outlets. ...we don't need to defend the DNC chair...we need to win. I don't want anyone who can't do that...also Ellison can not devote full time to the job...Debbie was a disaster long before this year partly because she could not devote enough time to the job of electing Democrats...the state losses have been crippling. We simply can't play politics with what should be a decision based on being effective at electing Democrats.

[whathehell]

34. and I don't care about how much one loves AIPAC..

though I do appreciate Dean's political gifts.

[Demsrule86]

79. We need a fulltime DNC person.

Keith has other responsibilities and he has said things that will cause him to be controversial... we don't need that now. We need someone who can work to elect Democrats. While many of us are interested in national stuff...the country is more into bread and butter...Dean was very successful.

[whathehell]

64. "Iran-contra deal"?

Sorry, that was part of the Reagan's dministration, not Obama's.

[ericson00]

45. Dean was against a deal that polls showed and still show

to be highly unpopular. In fact, I didn't like the Iran Deal much. This makes me all the more for Dean for DNC chair!!!

[whathehell]

76. Wrong. Most Americans, as well our European allies who co-signed with uw

are for it. it, or at least NOT against it.

[Demsrule86]

80. What does it matter Trumpy is going to end it anyway...so how a DNC chairman feels

about it is unimportant in electing Democrats

[whathehell]

117. Giving up that easily, huh?.

I'm getting a better idea of why "Trumpy" won.

[Demsrule86]

133. I know exactly why Trump won...and the fight needed to happen before he won.

We will do what we can, but this was a crucial election and we control nothing...it will be decades before we have favorable courts... I worked tirelessly GOTV to elect Hillary Clinton...it didn't happen and now we face the consequences. And they will be dire...probably lose most of what we attained since Roosevelt will be lost.

[NobodyHere]

106. Americans are against the Iran Nuclear Deal

http://www.gallup.com/poll/189272/after-nuclear-deal-views-iran-remain-dismal.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_content=heading&utm_campaign=syndication

[whathehell]

116. That's one poll taken 10 months ago..

Try something more recent, if you can even find an Americans outside of the Israeli lobby still thinking about it.

[NobodyHere]

122. So where's your evidence that Americans support the deal?

[whathehell]

138. Um, that it passed?

Duh.

[whathehell]

142. Sure...That's why they passed it through their congressional reps

Try again...
..

[NobodyHere]

162. Your point?

You can't find any evidence that Americans support the deal.

[Chathamization]

93. Dean was a paid supporter of a designated terrorist organiztion (MEK)

MEK was eventually delisted, but that was after Dean was paid by them and argued on their behalf. I haven't seen anything Ellison has done that was nearly as controversial.

[stevenleser]

123. MEK was delisted by the US and everyone else because they found out the info implicating them

was faulty.

[ericson00]

125. Farrakhan and "so-called Jews" who he says are "wicked?" not controversial?

[LanternWaste]

87. Odd you see merely two possibilities. Simplistic thinking is rather convenient to one's bias, yes?

Odd you see merely two possibilities. Simplistic thinking is rather convenient (and reinforcing) to one's bias, yes?

[pbmus]

4. Way too much glitter in the trash ..

Where is Howard

[Barack_America]

17. Howard's off lobbying someone in DC at the moment.

That is his job now, after all...

[emulatorloo]

49. Let's get Dean to lobby for the Democrats as DNC chair, as he's damn good at that

50 state strategy, winning elections, excellent surrogate. Would love to see Keith in there too w Dean, or someone Keith recs.

[LenaBaby61]

5. Rethugs ...

Would have a field day making fun of Ellison and call him Un-American for being a "radical" Muslim which is crazy/racist. And with the anti-Muslim sentiment, rampant on the right, well....In fact, I'm hearing that the right-wing brigade is starting in on him by saying he's Un-American because of some of his past statements coming to light. And 99% of the press would do their bit by bringing up the right-winged smears against him 24/7, until he pulled out of the running for DNC leader. SMDH.

Dems better get it right the 1st time and pick a DNC leader whose close to squeaky clean, because unlike Rethugs, Dems have no room for error, especially with this environment they're in where they control almost nothing. Hell, when Rethugs make Yuuuuge mistakes, they don't CARE nor allow it to stop them--they keep their heads down and keep on pushing forward as if they'd never made a mistake in the first place..

[Nevernose]

18. We could appoint Jesus as DNC chair

Republicans would still raise hell about him. Not native born, drinks too much wine, hates the military, never ran a business, and a ton of bullshit they just made up.

We've got to do the right thing and appoint the best people. It literally doesn't matter who we appoint to the Republicans, because they're just going to go full attack mode no matter what.

What we need is a progressive who will fight like hell, pull no punches, and not take any slanderous bullshit from a bunch of traitorous, racist, self-serving Republicans.

[leftynyc]

22. What we definitely DON'T

need is someone who didn't denounce Louis fucking Farrakhan until it became untenable to support him any longer. Or are you looking to lose a group of people 70% of which have a history of voting Democratic?

[Demsrule86]

24. We will not elect progressives in all 50 states.

Thus, we need someone who can match stripe.ates with candidates who can win...cold calculating numbers must be used for all decisions...we do not need partisans of any st

[ChazII]

52. Well Jesus did have that carpentry

shop. Trying to bring a smile to these depressing days.

[shellyleit]

7. Ellison is fair

He believes, like a lot of Democrats, that Palestine should be recognized and has rights equal to Israel. He was not born a Muslim, he became one by choice. He's from Minneapolis, I have met him, he's a stand-up guy. Very progressive. He's right about Israel too, they have far too much control over our foreign policy in the ME. I wish Ellison would run for president!

[Ilsa]

15. If Netanyahu was out, replaced by

a less strident leader, would US policy be less affected by Israel?

From what I gather, Israel acted unilaterally, instead of with us as our espionage partner, by ramping up and releasing what became known as the Stuxnet virus to quickly, but not surreptitiously, destroy Iran's centrifuges. That sounded like Netanyahu. A more patient, moderate leader would have allowed our program to continue working as it was.

[leftynyc]

23. That's pretty easy to say

while you're thousands of miles away from the country that has been threatened with annihilation by Iran. Very fucking easy. I LOVE what Israel did with Stuxnet - no dead bodies, lessened the threat of a nuclear war and pissed off the mullahs - win, win, win.

[Ilsa]

59. In its earlier form, it was taking out the centrifuges, gradually,

and Iran was blaming its scientists. They were oblivious to the virus and hacking.

Once they found out, Iran issued a cyber-call-to-arms. They are spending buttloads on hackers and cyberattacks now. Then they proceded to fire two warning shots. First, they shut down 30,000 laptops for a major saudi oil driller. Then they hacked 2 or 3 US online banking systems. We all ended up at the negotiating table after discovering what Iran was suddenly cspable of doing.

Israel should have informed their partners that they were going to ramp it up and release it. What they did was in bad faith, IMO, for an ally.

[leftynyc]

67. No dead bodies

I'm happy.

[Ilsa]

108. Except for some Iranian scientists who were murdered. nt

[leftynyc]

109. Not by Israeli's, they weren't

Or are we blaming everything the Iranian government does to their people on Israel now?

[Ilsa]

110. I didn't say Israelis did it. Not certain who did.

But I'm not ruling Mossad out, either.

[leftynyc]

111. LOL

Believe whatever fantasy floats your boat.

[alarimer]

48. Probably

They are a rogue nation at this point.

But then again, we have some really shitty countries as friends too.

[Ilsa]

60. Netanyahu goes rogue whenever it suits him,

Screw everyone else, including allies.

[Demsrule86]

26. No we definitely do not need Mid East policy in the DNC

We need to win elections people...states issues...money, jobs,civil rights...the only other issue is no more war...we don't need someone who has said things that will cause controversy.

[phleshdef]

11. I have nothing against Ellison, I admire him greatly, but Howard Dean is what we need right now.

Dean is a proven man, with a great track record with this job, can do it full time, WILL do it full time and I think is our best bet for getting some power back in 2018. We have not had an adequate chair since Dean. He says some stupid shit once in awhile but in this capacity he knows what has to be done better than anyone else that has been in that capacity in modern times.

[ck4829]

12. I'd like to hear something longer than 36 seconds

http://www.investigativeproject.org/5708/ipt-exclusive-in-private-fundraiser-ellison

Why is there no complete transcript of this speech from this group, only this snippet?

Not a good idea to get stuff from Steven Emerson, one only need to read his remarks about Birmingham in the UK to see he has an agenda as well.

[ericson00]

13. No one is denying Ellison said it.

And the quote is all that matters; it says it all. The tape will get play soon enough.

Killing the messenger is a Trump move.

[baldguy]

28. And pointing out that the messenger is an anti-Muslim bigot is a statement of fact.

Posting RW bullshit in order to undermine the Democratic Party is a Trump move.

[ericson00]

30. So putting a man who us out of touch with American public opinion

, out of touch with moderate/conserv Dems (who together a still a majority of the party), and out of touch with a loyal and meritous constituency (Jews) wouldn't undermine the Dem party?

Ellison's words are Ellison's words.

[whathehell]

37. Manufactured American opinion, maybe?

I hate to break it to you, but a majority of Americans don't give Israel much thought, one way or another.

[ericson00]

39. its more like organic opinion

when its so lopsided:


or when virtually every demographic in America has such an opinion:

(I know some polls like Pew may vary, but the strong pro-Israel thought of America still is reflected by them too, not just Gallup)

and even more so when only 2% of the country is Jewish and 27% Evangelical; supporting Israel goes to the heart of aggregate American thought, not just two constituencies.

[Demsrule86]

81. You all just wantn Ellison because Bernie wants him.

Well, Bernie has his reasons I am sure but winning elections isn't one of them in my opinion...Ellison is a bad idea. And the Jewish vote is an important Democratic constituency.

[whathehell]

121. LOL...I didn't even KNOW that Bernie wanted him

but as far as "Jewish vote" goes, you'll need to convince Bernie of that, since he himself is Jewish.

[Demsrule86]

131. Plenty do. Every artcile about this says Bernie backs Ellison.

It is not about the Jewish vote or what have you. You don't go out and get someone who will be the story...who is controversial for the DNC. You want someone who can work behind the scenes with all Democratic constituencies to get Democrats elected. In my opinion, you also need someone full time. Keith is not that guy. It will be about him...we will have to defend him on the Sunday talk shows and talk about him instead of our candidates...instead of elections. We don't want someone who will be the story, we want someone who will tell the story of how and why Democrats should be elected.

[whathehell]

134. Good for them..

As to this " not being about the Jewish vote", I'd suggest you tell that to alll those saying otherwise on this thread.

[baldguy]

42. You're equating liberal/left American Jews with the RW govt of Israel.

Mistake.

[ericson00]

124. whats actually pertinent is the bloc as a whole

this implies 69% of American Jews believe in Zionism, and a 22% fringe doesn't. Most of the stuff around here, "apartheid" and "genocide" bullshit allegations, BDS, the evils of the partition in the first place is more than about settlements; its about wholesale delegitimization, demonization, and double standards. No one is dumb enough to believe its all about settlements; the anti-Israel movement goes far beyond settlements and existed before settlements.

Democrats probably want Jewish moderate/conservative Dems too, along with Jewish independents and even some Jewish Republicans voting for Democrats. Progressive ones are not the entire set.

[baldguy]

130. So, progressive Dems who find Israels undue influence problematic are "anti Israel" now?

Especially when the RW govt of Israel does everything it can to kill any relationship the US tries to develop with moderate Arabs and Muslims? Talk about bullshit allegations.

Having a more realistic view of Israel - like Ellison has - can only help Israel and America's position in the region.

[whathehell]

136. That's the line organizations like AIPAC want you to believe.

complete bullshit.

[shira]

160. The US is trying to develop relationships with moderate Iran? You think Iran is moderate? n/t

[baldguy]

164. Did *I* say Iran? No I did not.

You did.

There are 2.2 billion Muslims in the world. Trying to paint them all as terrorists is genocidal RW lunacy. As Democrats, we should be better than that.

[procon]

56. "And the quote is all that matters; "

You can't be taken seriously. That is a "Trump move". Before you follow in his footsteps and glom onto some obscure out of context quote to concoct a smear campaign, the unanswered argument still remains. Why does Israel (or any other foreign government) have disproportionate -- or any -- influence in American foreign policy?

[shira]

113. Obviously Israel doesn't have great influence as Israel lost the battle on the Iran deal. n/t

[whathehell]

140. Narrowly, and they tried like hell, spending millions in P.R.

even embarrassing our president by sending Netanyahu to address Congress -- That sucked.

[shira]

151. Yeah, so much for the power of the Israel Lobby. QED. n/t

[whathehell]

154. Lol..One their VERY few losses

Try again.

[shira]

158. That's the biggest thing by far they've stood up for, in decades. n/t

[JudyM]

147. +1!

[ck4829]

105. "The quote is all that matters", let's see if that works both ways

From the very same article:

A column in Israel's liberal daily Haaretz quotes two rabbis praising Ellison, D-Minn., as "the best of our constitutional democracy and the best of America" and "an extraordinary leader. Anyone who would associate him with any kind of hatred hasn't met him and certainly hasn't worked with him."

Jonathan Greenblatt, the Anti-Defamation League's chief executive, issued a statement last week saying Ellison "is a man of good character" and "an important ally in the fight against anti-Semitism and for civil rights."

http://www.investigativeproject.org/5708/ipt-exclusive-in-private-fundraiser-ellison

Why doesn't Steven Emerson take these quotes at their face value? If there really was an issue with Keith Ellison, these three men would see that, but they don't, we could say that there is no real issue here, or we could go through the hoops and conspiracy theories that Emerson does and say these men don't really know or they choose to remain ignorant.

Steven Emerson is just another party in the "concerned conservative" effort against Ellison that is joining forces with groups like the Daily Caller, the Washington Times, American Thinker, and more. Why is this? They should be relishing in a chance for the Democratic Party to self destruct or be "out of tune with the voter".

I think Keith Ellison can reflect a new institution that arose in the aftermath of the election, that more Americans voted for Clinton than Trump. Someone will need to reflect that. He is supported by Chuck Schumer in his bid, and he himself will need all the support he can get.

[shira]

114. Ever wonder how rightwingers feel defending Steve Bannon?

Like maybe icky or ashamed?

Because what you're doing is no better, defending someone who supported Farrakhan & Castro, and is now making up Elder of Zion "Jews controlling the world" bullshit.

[ck4829]

115. So then you have something to say about the ADL? About Chuck Schumer?

Keith Ellison also said Castro engaged in "harsh dictatorial tactics" and that he jailed critics.

Why is this not being included in this "support"?

[stevenleser]

145. Those quotes are not from Ellison. Random quotes from other people are not at issue. nt

[ck4829]

148. But they aren't random, they are from this very article about Ellison

And in two replies nobody has answered the question, only deflected... it doesn't work both ways?

[stevenleser]

149. Doesn't matter. The question is whether Ellison is suitable based on his statements.

We don't need quotes from other people to decide that.

[uponit7771]

63. 1, I hate these less than 5 min clips where a persons context can't be seen

[Barack_America]

16. Seems there's a coordinated effort to trash Ellison on DU.

Makes me support him more.

[leftynyc]

25. Sorry, but once again

I'm seeing people, like yourself, putting up with colossal bullshit from someone simply because they're a Muslim. If anyone else supported louis farrakhan until it became politically untenable to do that, you'd be shouting from the fucking rooftops.

[Barack_America]

31. Sorry you're predjudiced against Muslims.

As was clearly obvious from your post.

[leftynyc]

33. I don't give a crap

what religion you are when you support screwy louis. Are we pretending he's not a hateful prick these days?

[shira]

82. Dems deserve to lose with a chair who supports Farrakhan & Castro....

Spreading Elders of Zion conspiracies against Jews who run the USA government is just topping on the cake.

[philosslayer]

51. Wow, what an offensive post

People aren't defending him just because he's a Muslim. They're defending him because he's the best choice, is supported by the majority of the party leadership, and just happens to be a Muslim.

[leftynyc]

55. LOL

He's FAR from the best choice - his past associations are repulsive, he doesn't even seem to be the majority choice for this pretty far left website. But go along and make up your own reality and pretend otherwise.

[alarimer]

50. Yep.

Time to throw progressives under the bus again, now that they no longer need our votes. Let the moderate, third way run the party into oblivion. I no longer care.

[leftynyc]

20. If they make him head of DNC

they will never see another dime from me. No door knocking, no phone calls, nothing.

[whathehell]

35. I'm sure that will make all the difference.

[leftynyc]

36. I think it's adorable

you think I'm the only one. Keep crapping on people on your side, it's obviously working wonders.

[whathehell]

38. Lol..

Disagreeing with someone on my side or the other, is hardly 'crapping" on them..Maybe you should learn to be a little more tolerate of dissent.

[leftynyc]

104. Yes, I'm sure

everyone seeing your simply adorable rolling eyes juvenile smiley is going to run to you for tolerance of dissent.

[whathehell]

119. Who asked if you were "sure", lol?

You are responding to the wrong post -- Consider actually READING a dissenting opinion before taking a position against it.

P.S. If you find the rolling eyes too "juvenile", I suggest you complain to the admins or shift your attention to this one

[shira]

150. "..or are you just a Zionist upset" WTF?

I've got news for you.

Obama, HRC, and Bernie Sanders are all Zionists too.

Anyone who's antizionist in this day and age (Haredi excluded) is an outright antisemite.

[whathehell]

153. Anti-Zionism equals anti-Semitism?

Ah, no..and a lot of, if not most on this board would disagree with you.

[shira]

157. It's come to mean that, with literally no exceptions.

Obama said it best:

OBAMA: DENYING ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO EXIST AS A JEWISH HOMELAND IS ANTI-SEMITIC

But having defined what sort of critiques of Israel don’t constitute anti-Semitism, the president then proceeded to outline those that do. And this is where he broke new ground. Asked by Goldberg to delineate the relationship between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, Obama answered as follows:

I think a good baseline is: Do you think that Israel has a right to exist as a homeland for the Jewish people, and are you aware of the particular circumstances of Jewish history that might prompt that need and desire? And if your answer is no, if your notion is somehow that that history doesn’t matter, then that’s a problem, in my mind. If, on the other hand, you acknowledge the justness of the Jewish homeland, you acknowledge the active presence of anti-Semitism—that it’s not just something in the past, but it is current—if you acknowledge that there are people and nations that, if convenient, would do the Jewish people harm because of a warped ideology. If you acknowledge those things, then you should be able to align yourself with Israel where its security is at stake, you should be able to align yourself with Israel when it comes to making sure that it is not held to a double standard in international fora, you should align yourself with Israel when it comes to making sure that it is not isolated.

Essentially, Obama defined anti-Zionism—as distinct from sharp, public criticism of Israel and its policies—as anti-Semitism. In his construction, denying Israel’s right to exist (i.e. Zionism) is to deny the lessons of history and betray a deeply flawed moral outlook. In making this case, Obama joins other world leaders like British Prime Minister David Cameron and French Prime Minister Manuel Valls—both, like him, critics of Israeli settlements and advocates for a two-state solution—who have pointedly labeled anti-Zionism as anti-Semitism. Likewise, Obama’s words accord with the U.S. State Department’s official definition of anti-Semitism, which includes “denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, and denying Israel the right to exist.”

Obama’s articulation of this position, however, is far more eloquent and rich than any of these antecedents. His explanation for why opposing Israel’s existence is bigoted is simultaneously moral, historical and structural. To consign the Jews to statelessness, in Obama’s view, would undo the painful progress made by the world towards treating them as equals and protecting them from prejudice. It would turn back the clock to a much darker time, when Jews had no national home to stand up for their rights and offer them refuge. It would be an abdication of moral responsibility for the persecutions of the past and a willful ignorance as to their implications.

http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/191196/obama-denying-israels-right-to-exist-as-a-jewish-homeland-is-anti-semitic

Being against any indigenous movement, as Zionism clearly is, would be considered racist in any other context.

[Mosby]

163. Anti-Zionism Is Anti-Semitism. Get Over It

Anti-Zionism Is Anti-Semitism. Get Over It.

Is anti-Zionism any different from anti-Semitism? The question is probably the most accurate seismograph we’ve got to measure where one stands on the ever-tremorous political grounds we all walk when we talk about Israel. Not that there’s necessarily any right or wrong answer; civil, well-meaning people can make arguments on both ends. Yes, because Jews and Jewish life cannot be reduced to the national aspirations of the Jewish state. No, because anyone denying Jews, alone of all the world’s nations, their right of self-determination is by definition a hater. It’s not an altogether useless debate to have, but it’s not the debate we’re having.

http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-life-and-religion/199847/anti-zionism-is-anti-semitism


Why Anti-Zionists Who Say They Aren’t Anti-Semitic Usually Are

http://forward.com/scribe/351099/why-anti-zionists-who-say-they-arent-anti-semitic-usually-are/


Anti-Zionism Is Antisemitism

Martin Luther King once said, “When people criticize Zionists they mean Jews; you are talking antisemitism.”

Never has that insight proven more accurate than today, as we witness increasing antisemitism across the world — thinly veiled as a criticism of Zionism and the state of Israel, rather than against Jews themselves.

Today, among many groups who consider themselves liberal and progressive, it is an insult to call someone a Zionist — an insult akin to calling someone a racist. Yet the irony that is ignored by all these groups is that Zionism espouses the very values these groups claim to uphold. Zionism, for example, gives Muslims and Christians the freedom to practice all their beliefs and traditions without hindrance from the state. The same can’t be said of any Arab country. And it is another irony that on the beaches of France, French police had forced Muslim women to remove their burkinis, while in Israel, Muslims face no such demands.

https://www.algemeiner.com/2016/08/31/anti-zionism-is-antisemitism/

[ericson00]

40. given Jewish voters' generosity to the Democratic Party, in votes, activism, and yes, contributions,

you ought to show some honor and gratitude. Mainstream Jews stand with Israel, and the showcase "Jews for Palestine" types like Glenn Greenwald, Max Blumenthal, etc. are no different than Diamond and Silk and Ben Carson for Trump. America is forever a capitalist society. For a real Democrat, keeping Jewish votes and patronage should outweigh concerns of a faux-national movement into suicide bombings, plane hijackings, Olympian murdering, etc.

Seeing how well Trump's populist swamp draining is going, I'd bet Bernie would have done an even better job getting money out of politics too! Except at HIS "White House North," the Sanders' new summer home, not Trump Tower.

[whathehell]

41. Sure..

Maybe I should genuflect too.
.

[ericson00]

44. well given how Jewish voters/mover & shakers are the effin engine that

funds a considerable portion of the major political party you (presumably) most closely align with, as well as having been the non-blacks who played the most outsized role in the Civil Rights movement, tossing them under the bus would not only hurt the party in the short run, but set the stage for vengeance in the long run.

see:
http://www.jpost.com/US-Elections/US-Jews-contribute-half-of-all-donations-to-the-Democratic-party-468774

Jewish donors contribut(e) a whopping 50% of funds received by the Democratic Party

http://www.jta.org/2011/06/07/news-opinion/politics/democrats-launch-major-pro-obama-pushback-among-jews

estimates over the years have reckoned that Jewish donors provide between one-third and two-thirds of the (Democratic) party’s money

or see this

Many in the Jewish community supported the Civil Rights Movement. In fact, statistically Jews were one of the most actively involved non-black groups in the Movement. Many Jewish students worked in concert with African Americans for CORE, SCLC, and SNCC as full-time organizers and summer volunteers during the Civil Rights era. Jews made up roughly half of the white northern volunteers involved in the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer project and approximately half of the civil rights attorneys active in the South during the 1960s.
...

so you don't need to genuflect, but you probably should show honour.

[procon]

57. This kinda refutes your original objection, yeah?

Look, you started out disputing Ellison’s comment the, " Israel’s disproportionate influence in American foreign policy." Yet now you're boasting about the very same thing, like that "whopping 50% of funds received by the Democratic Party" is a good thing rather than a disproportionate influence in our government.

You proved Ellison’s statement was correct.

[whathehell]

65. Lol..

a rather silent point.

[SQUEE]

112. So, Israel equals Jews?

Weren't you just whining about anti Israel= anti Semite?

You can't have both sunshine.
Many Jews are opposed to Zionism, and even the idea of a Jewish nation state, and just about all here are American, not Israelis.

You thinking that Jews supporting a party based liberal and progressive ideas and actions proves Ellison correct proves something else entirely

[whathehell]

61. Sorry, I don't do "honour" either, lol

especially at the behest of someone who's spelling makes me wonder if he's even a citizen of the country, let alone a member of the party.

Iividividuals and groups in the United States are free to vote.for whom they please...The idea that we should bow and scrape to every whim of one small sector of our party is not only repulsive, it's absolutely counter to Democratic principles.

[procon]

71. I saw that too.

Putting on my virtual armour now. <g>

[whathehell]

73. Yup..

You got it.

[alarimer]

46. It's not wrong, though.

At least as far as the middle east goes.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

47. We need to kick the GOP's asses.

The last f--king thing we need is an internecine fight. I would prefer someone not affiliated with either the Sanders or Clinton camp. That eliminates Howard Dean and Keith Ellison.

[dembotoz]

62. The DNC is dead. Long live the dnc

Here comes the new boss same as the old boss.

Guess change we can believe in is just a crock too

Apparently the Democratic party will continue to sell buggy whips cause gosh Darn it it is what we do

[hollowdweller]

75. Ellison is 100 percent correct. However it's not something you say out loud.

Look at how the GOP worked with Israel to damage Obama. We really do need to fear them.

The fact that Israel has way too much control over our own politicians is something that has to be changed over time.

I feel like Trump may be the man to change it. Eventually he will have to choose between Israel and Russia. Russia will flatter him and Israel will try to bully him and it will be all over.

Right now we have the pro Israel hawks in the GOP but we also have the new anti Semitic base of the Trump Republicans.

I predict that the falling out will be over Trump supporting Russia over Assad in Syria. Israel will not want to see the Shiite led gov't propped up because it is in cahoots with Iran.

However we are going to see an alliance of Iran, Iraq and Syria which could pose a threat to Israel if Trump goes with Russia on this, setting up a showdown with Israel, which the anti Semitic Trump folks will activate.

As dems we need to just set back and watch that one happen.

[RandySF]

77. Oh boy.

[tenderfoot]

84. Should Ellison be required to register his status as Muslim? Seeing that he's untrustworthy

and all.

[Scurrilous]

89. Right wing Likudnik mouthpiece says what?

Love the fake headline!! (Psssst...nowhere in that linked article does he say "Israel controls US policy.&quot

Love this one too:

Obama’s Spinelessness and Trump’s Moral Courage on Castro

https://www.algemeiner.com/2016/11/29/obamas-spinelessness-and-trumps-moral-courage-on-castro/

Guess who won their “Liberty” award?



http://mondoweiss.net/2015/02/warriors-ultimate-gather/


And yes, I 'm attacking your source. As I would any with Rudy Giuliani and John Bolton as contributors.

[shira]

91. It's on audio. Here it is...

"The United States foreign policy in the Middle East is governed by what is good or bad through a country of 7 million people. A region of 350 million all turns on a country of 7 million. Does that make sense? Is that logic? Right? When the Americans who trace their roots back to those 350 million get involved, everything changes. Can I say that again?"

http://www.investigativeproject.org/5708/ipt-exclusive-in-private-fundraiser-ellison

[Scurrilous]

94. Shira..

"Israel controls US policy" ≠ "The United States foreign policy in the Middle East is governed by what is good or bad through a country of 7 million people."

[shira]

107. LoL. It wasn't a direct quote, but Ellison was clearly talking about Israel. n/t

[Larkspur]

92. One of the reasons J Street was formed was to counter AIPAC influence

J Street are progressive Jews who support a 2 state solution and favor Palestinian rights along with Israel's right to exist.

[whathehell]

139. Thank you..

The Zionism is getting g thick here.

[shira]

159. What's with your knock on Zionism, Zionists? Obama & Bernie are Zionists. n/t

[mahina]

127. My former Congressman said the same. He said that AIPAC wields a lot of influence

And doesn't hesitate to twist arms.

The chart below that shows 15% of Americans support Palestinians is very sad. You can support Israel and the Palestinians.

[Canadaexpat2]

152. Not saying the Emperor is naked doesn't clothe the Emperor.

[Fast Walker 52]

155. whoops... so much for him

[Fast Walker 52]

156. "When the Americans who trace their roots back to those 350 million get involved everything changes"

WTF does that mean?