To compromise his principles

Tuesday
July
01
2008


San Mateo Daily Journal



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The power of the Israeli lobby


Editor,


Some say that Jewish money speaks. Perhaps they donate more than others for political causes. But the myth about all-powerful Jewish money has an anti-Semitic ring. After all, other lobbies, and most decidedly the huge multinational corporations, have given considerable sums of money to Obama (as well as to his opponents). And Obama himself has proudly announced that hundreds of thousands of ordinary citizens have sent him small donations, which have amounted to tens of millions.


True, it has been proven that the Jewish lobby can almost always block the election of a senator or a member of Congress who does not dance, with fervor, to the Israeli tune. In some exemplary cases (which were indeed meant to be seen as examples), the lobby has defeated popular politicians by lending its political and financial clout to the election campaign of a practically unknown rival.


But in a presidential race? The transparent fawning of Obama on the Israeli lobby stands out more than similar efforts by the other candidates. Why? Because his dizzying success in the primaries was entirely due to his promise to bring about a change, to put an end to the rotten practices of Washington and to replace the old cynics with a young, brave person who does not compromise his principles.


And lo and behold, the very first thing he does after securing the nomination of his party is to compromise his principles.


Ted Rudow III,MA


Menlo Park