In Souciant this week, I examine the weakness of the Left in the US despite numbers that should mean it is much stronger. In times of economic stress like these, the left should be able to provide alternatives, and make them actionable. While liberals fight to hold the center and Tea Partiers push the country to a radical and self-destructive right, the left continues to eat itself. It need not be.
Archive for February, 2013
Lessons for Obama
Posted in Camp David, tagged Benjamin Netanyahu, Bill Clinton, Camp David, Clinton Parameters, Egypt, Ehud Barak, Fatah, Hamas, Israel, John Kerry, Middle east, Occupied Territories, Palestine, Right of Return, Saudi Arabia, Southern Lebanon, Taba, United States, Yasir Arafat, Yitzhak Rabin on February 8, 2013 | Leave a Comment »
In this week’s piece at Souciant, I look at the lessons Bill Clinton’s mistakes at Camp David II hold for Barack Obama today. Many of the conditions have changed, of course, but 
Clinton’s mis-steps, as well as what he did right, hold general lessons that Obama must keep in mind if he ever decides to seriously re-engage in this issue.
Brooklyn College Faculty Union Speaks Out in defense of BDS Event
Posted in BDS, Free speech, tagged Alan Dershowitz, BDS, Brooklyn College, free speech, Judith Butler, Karen Gould, Omar Barghouti on February 6, 2013 | 3 Comments »
The absurd events at Brooklyn College continue to roll along. The thought police, led by the great promoter of anti-Semitism (through his ceaseless efforts to dehumanize
Judith Butler and Omar Barghouti, the speakers whose appearance at Brooklyn College has sparked controversy
Palestinians), Alan Dershowitz insist that any and all programs involving the Israel-Palestine conflict must present Israel’s point of view. One cannot miss the fact that they show no such concern when only the Israeli view is represented, as happens often on campuses and community centers across the country. And, to be sure, there is nothing wrong with that view being presented. But neither is the view of those who are working in support of the Palestinian civil society call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel due to its 45-year old occupation.
That this issue even arises shows the absurdity of the debate on this issue in the United States. The fact that some New York City politicians are actually threatening to cut Brooklyn College’s funding should send a chill up anyone’s spine who believes in free speech and democracy, whatever their views of Israel, Palestine and BDS. But the university president is holding fast to the view that an institution of higher learning, whether privately or publicly funded, has a first duty to present a diversity of views and not every such presentation needs to be in a debate format. And she is being defended by her staff, in the form of their union.
Pasted below is the letter the union sent to a long list of cowardly, clueless or bigoted politicians who are trying to shut down a legitimate, non-violent Palestinian view from being heard. It doesn’t matter what you think of BDS, or which side, if any, your heart lies on with regard to the Israel-Palestine conflict. This is about free speech and academic freedom. And for that, a hearty BRAVO to Brooklyn College’s president, Karen Gould, and the union, as represented by Dr. Barbara Bowen. (more…)
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The Israel Excuse
Posted in United States, tagged Abraham Foxman, AIPAC, Anti-Semitism, Barack Obama, Breitbart.com, Chuck Hagel, Chuck Shumer, Commentary Magazine, Emergency Committee for Israel, GOP, Hamas, Israel, Israel Lobby, John Kerry, John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Republican Jewish Coalition, Susan Rice, United States on February 15, 2013 | Leave a Comment »
This week at Souciant, I look at the Chuck Hagel fiasco. The unabashed GOP plan to obstruct the entire US government in order to prevent Obama from doing, well, much of anything reaches new heights this week. The “Party of NO” is holding up Hagel’s confirmation, which even they say is still going to happen, for ephemeral reasons (the request for more information on Benghazi which was already furnished to even John McCain’s stated satisfaction), petty political ones and larger political aims. And what’s the role of the Israel Lobby in all of this? Not what some think it is. Check it out.
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