Rand Paul distancing himself from his father on Israel
Rand Paul, who is seeking the Republican nomination for the Senate from Kentucky, has issued a statement entitled The United States Special Relationship with Israel, in which he takes positions on Israel that are far from those advocated by his father, Texas Congressman Ron Paul. Israel and the United States have a special relationship. With our shared history and common values, the American and Israeli people have formed a bond that unites us across the many thousands of miles between our countries and calls us to work together towards peace and prosperity for our countries.Is this for real? Well George W. Bush was a lot less hostile to Israel than his father George H.W. Bush. There's more comparing the views of Ron and Rand Paul here.
The free trade agreement that has existed, and been subsequently strengthened, between our countries since 1985 is a tremendous mutual benefit. As a United States Senator, I would work against the growing protectionist sentiment in our country and defend free trade with Israel.
I would never vote to place trade restrictions on Israel, and I would filibuster any attempts to place sanctions on Israel or tariffs on any Israeli goods.
The issue of Palestine is incredibly difficult and complex. The entire world wishes for peace in the region, but any arrangement or treaty must come from Israel, when she is ready and when her conditions have been met.
I strongly object to the arrogant approach of Obama administration, itself a continuation of the failures of past U.S. administrations, as they push Israel to make security concessions behind thinly veiled threats.
Only Israel can decide what is in her security interest, not America and certainly not the United Nations. Friends do not coerce friends to trade land for peace, or to give up the vital security interests of their people.
As a United States Senator, I would never vote to condemn Israel for defending herself.
Whether it is fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon, combating Hamas-linked terrorists in Gaza or dealing with potential nuclear threats in the Persian Gulf, Israeli military actions are completely up to the leaders and military of Israel, and Israel alone.
It is not the place of outsiders to meddle or pass judgment or to use our power or relationship to force Israel to go against her own interest for the sake of “peace.”
Peace is a laudable goal. But it is just that – a goal. It is not an end at any cost.
It makes no sense to me that the United States provides Arab countries hostile to Israel with $12 billion in annual financial and military aid. Many of the weapons that Israel would face in a Middle Eastern conflict would have come directly from our government. I find this appalling. In the Senate, I would strive to eliminate all aid to countries that threaten Israel.
Finally, Iran has become increasingly bellicose towards Israel. Thankfully, Israel has one of the bravest, most elite military forces in the world. I would never vote to prevent Israel from taking any military action her leaders felt necessary to end any Iranian threat.
Just as the United States would not follow the will of another country in the face of our national security, we shall not limit the options of Israel in this area.
Finally, I believe the United States should increase the pressure on Iran. I would mandate that all publicly managed investment funds divest from Iran immediately.
We should not be subsidizing any company that does business with Iran, and we should not allow U.S. companies or those with funds from U.S. taxpayers to enrich Iran through its national energy program. I would fight to end all subsides to American corporations that do business with Iran, including so-called renewable energy companies that work through Brazil to provide support to Iran and empower its dictators dangerous nuclear saber rattling.
You will recall that Sarah Palin has been criticized in many Jewish quarters (including by me) because her PAC has contributed more money to Rand Paul than to anyone else.
Hmmm.
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:58 PM
5 Comments:
Not buying Rand Paul. What's his proof of being pro-Israel?
We're learning the hard way with Obama (all the proof were there that he's anti-Israel in the first place), we're not going to repeat the mistake.
Sarah Palin lost me because she's campaigning for John McCain, when AZ deserves fresh blood.
What's that smell?
Oh....a politician!
Not to be trusted.
Is this for real? Well George W. Bush was a lot less hostile to Israel than his father George H.W. Bush. There's more comparing the views of Ron and Rand Paul here.
Don't believe it. Rand Paul is no friend.
As for saying George W Bush was less hostile then his father is complete trash. Daddy was openly hostile. Gorge Bush was not. However Carl, if you can say making bad on the promise to sign the embassy act was not an act of hostility you are fooling yourself.
If Bush signed it, it would have given true legitimacy to Jerusalem. He declined. What in the name of G-d does that tell you?
Of course we will not even go close to calling a denier of the Shoah (which robbed me of hundreds of family members)a "MAN OF PEACE." Bush did. Furthermore, that man of peace harbored and incubated terror. Bush knew it.
I have to say you go by words too much. If a person is openly hostile we know where they stand. If a person is silent and claims friendship yet proves otherwise, are they not as hostile as the one whose open actions proves their intent?
Broomer.
Proof comes only after. That is the danger. They all play to us with kind words but unless they walk the talk, forget it. Fact is, if every Jew in America voted for the same candidate there is not enough of us to sway the vote.
We as Jews are like children starving for love.
I am with you, I am not buying Rand Paul. And again, there is never REAL PROOF until they walk out of office. Words mean nothing until then.
From this moment forward I will continue to vote Republican because of my conservative viewpoints, not 'possible' fake pledges from hungry candidates claiming to be pro-Israel.
BTW: I have not heard from one Pro-Israel candidate who is against the john birchers, libertarians (mostly who are anti-Israel which means antisemitic)or the Nazi who spoke at the tea party conference in Ohio. Oh, I forgot, that is different. Oh yah, and not one candidate has the nerve to openly admonish George W Bush for failing two sign the embassy act.
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