A prayer for AIPAC's demise By Medea Benjamin

[bemildred]

As a secular Jew, I don't do much praying. But this week, as the powerful pro-Israeli government lobby AIPAC (the American Israel Public Affairs Committee) holds its annual policy meeting in Washington, I'm praying that this year marks the beginning of the end of the lobby's grip on US foreign policy.

From March 1-3, over 10,000 AIPAC supporters will descend on the nation's capital. The meeting comes at a time when the relationship between President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is at an all-time low. House Speaker John Boehner's invitation to Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress right after he speaks at the AIPAC conference is seen by the White House as a direct attempt to undermine the president and his administration's nuclear talks with Iran.

In an unprecedented move, over 50 brave members of Congress have decided to skip Netanyahu's address.

AIPAC's support of the Israeli prime minister over the US president is turning AIPAC into a Republican-biased lobby, which could prove fatal to its future influence in Washington. Here are ten reasons why this would be good for world peace:

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/World/WOR-01-030315.html

[Fred Sanders]

1. I do not get it. Why does this small religious group have so much power in secular America?

Apparently it is "brave" to snub Israel by not going to an event in your own country's Federal legislature, a political event that was orchestrated on purpose by Israeli and domestic politicians to stab YOUR OWN nation's leader and foreign policy in the back and boost the foreign leaders's election hopes.

Brave? How so?

Interesting.

I do not get it. Not at all.

Maybe if folks could imagine the players and the situation reversed, folks would get what a ridiculous thing this event is, and how America is ceding a bit of it's own sovereignty to....a foreign nation.

[Ken Burch]

24. UH...who exactly do you mean by "this small religious group", buddy?

AIPAC is nationalist, not "religious".
If you meant anything or anyone else...you're on really thin ice.

[GitRDun]

2. Excellent article!

It's really hard to justify US / Israeli actions in regards to Palestine if you merely use logic and reason.

There is no happy ending for either Israel or the US on their current paths vis a vis Palestine.

There just seems to be so much emotional baggage regarding this issue, polarization happens instantaneously.

It seems to me Palestinians and Jews both want to work, find a home, raise a family and build a future for their children.

What seems apparent to me is that segments of each society drag the many into never ending pitched battles based on a lie, that "the other" represents evil.

It's a lot like our politics here in the US, but with deadlier consequences.

[King_David]

6. The article was written by someone who hangs out at Holocaust Denial meetings

So not even worth the paper it's written on.

[Depaysement]

9. Ad hominem attacks and guilt by association are always best

She participated in conferences where Holocaust Deniers were present. Not exactly the same thing.

One of the Democratic Party's biggest donors, Haim Saban, has said he is like Avigdor Lieberman, very far to the right, on Israeli security issues. Does that mean he is a racist like Lieberman?

[King_David]

11. What else was there at The New Horizons Conference ?

[Depaysement]

12. I don't know

What direct evidence do you have that Medea Benjamin is a holocaust denier? Has she ever made the claim that the holocaust did not occur?

[King_David]

13. She proudly attended the conference

And now is trying to talk like "Ms Ordinary regular secular Jew"?

Sorry not buying it , WTF cares what she's got to say on Jewish affairs , it's irrelevant.

[Scootaloo]

21. Where did Medea Benjamin ever deny the Holocaust, Dave?

Got a link?

[King_David]

28. Your alert?

On Tue Mar 3, 2015, 11:41 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

Medea Benjamin, the same Jew who attends Holocaust Denial conferences?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1134&pid=96533

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

False accusations that Medea Benjamin tolerates Holocaust denial. Despicable.

The review was completed at Tue Mar 3, 2015, 11:49 PM, and the Jury voted 0-7 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: A quick search indicates that the "accusation" is true. The anti-Semitism on DU is getting a bit out of hand. I'm not going to vote to hide information that embarrasses anti-Semites.
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Juries don't hide false accusations, but if it is false please provide references for that in an alert next time. I'm not going to dig.
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Lie with dogs and get fleas...
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: An alert because you disagree about what someone says about a public figure? If he's wrong, prove it to him. Don't alert in things like this
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given

[Scootaloo]

29. No, there's nothing worth alerting on

I was just wanting to know whether you had support for your claim.

Juror #6 has it backwards; burden of proof rests on the claimant (that's you, by the way)

[King_David]

30. My claim was that she was an active participant in the New Horizon Conference

There's proof , pics , travel expenses and probably even tax deductions.

[Scootaloo]

31. Made with the insinuation that she did so as a holocaust denier, Dave

Now maybe you're unaware - probably you're unaware - but despite it's origins as Ahmedinejad's sad attempt at a spoof of Laugh-In, it has grown and developed well beyond a bunch of knuckleheads chuckling about the so-called "Holocaust Industry."

if i understand correctly, Benjamin attended in 2014. sadly I can't find any video or transcripts of what she said there. But given that she's pretty much talked about nothing except drones and guantanamo bay for the last eight years or so, i rather doubt sh's going to take a break and talk about whatever you find most convenient to put into her mouth.

[King_David]

32. She can talk about anything she wants but by attending and participating in the most antisemitic

Conference imaginable she lost all rights to speak as an average Jew.

That's not contentious.

You would know this if you were in the community.....even though bizarrely you think you speak for our community.

[Scootaloo]

34. Actually it's mostly about US imperialism these days

As I said, it's developed a bit since its initial get-together. if you can show where medea Benjamin participated in holocaust denial, then please do so.

You would know this if you were in the community.....even though bizarrely you think you speak for our community.

No, that's you Dave, proclaiming that your opinion, and your opinion alone speaks for Jews. Hypocritically, while snarling about Jews who use their Jewishness for credibility on something.

I think you're confused again.

[King_David]

35. LOL

What was she doing participating in this conference ?

http://blog.adl.org/international/iran-new-horizon-conference-draws-u-s-anti-semites-holocaust-deniers

Knitting? Singing? Catering?

[Scootaloo]

37. Like I said, I don't know, I haven't found video

I have found some articles about the contents of the 2015 conference and some mentions of the 2014 one, which focus around, as I said, US imperialism (this year's was of course really big on the Iranian nuclear energy thing.) So it's entirely possible - iwould guess even probable - that a person who speaks up loudly about US imperialism, would attend this conference that discusses US imperialism, to talk about US imperialism.

if you want to tar her as a holocaust-denying Jew-hater, you should find something that actually confirms she is a Jew-hating Holocaust denier. I'm sure it won't be hard, if it's there.

After all, I've been to Everfree Northwest (2013) - it doesn't make me this guy:

[King_David]

38. Nah I think it's pretty well established

She has had valiant effort at defense though , just on this thread alone.

[Scootaloo]

40. Well, let's see said establishment, Dave

That's all that is being asked of you. You want to claim someone is a Jew-hating holocaust-denier, then you're going to need to prove that they are. Not that people next to them are, or that you want them to be considered such, or that you, the sole and authoritative voice of every Jewish person on earth have declared them to be so, as you did in post #20.

Also while you're establishing a solid basis for your claims, maybe you could explain the relevance of the New Horizon conference to the OP?

[King_David]

42. She attended the conference as a participant

There is no other proof necessary.

Good try though.

[Scootaloo]

44. Yes, in fact there is

Specifically, what was the content of her participation?

Remember in 2012 when some rabbis from neturei karta attended? I'm sure you do. Remember how you tried to label them as "holocaust Deniers" because of that? I'm sure you do. Remember how you were completely wrong, and they were actually there to contest and challenge the claims of deniers? I'm certain you've forgotten.

Now you're trying to do the same with Medea Benjamin, and once again, you have not a lick of proof on your side other than conjecture and guilt-by-association.

Now hey. I'm not a huge fan of the woman - She's rarely been able to glue together a coherent argument, even when she's right about something. I'm simply asking that if you're going to make a claim that someone is a jew-hater, or a holocaust denier, or whatever, you back it up.

Because without that backing-up, it becomes obvious that you're just making stuff up in the hopes of derailing the topic presented in the OP.

[King_David]

47. Maybe she was a tourist in Iran and happened upon the New Horizons Conference?

Accidentally?

[Scootaloo]

51. I dunno. I make no claims as to what she was or wasn't doing

YOU are making such claims however.

So, back your claims up. Surely you have a video, or a transcript of what her participation entailed?

[King_David]

52. My only claim is that she participated in that conference.

I'm pretty sure that's enough for most .

Maybe not for you...

[Scootaloo]

54. Okay.

So your premise from there is that nothing else she says is valid. Why is that? What was her presentation at this conference that leads you to this conclusion?

You're right. mere presence is not enough for me. i need substance. So, what whas Benjamin's substance?

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

57. If you are going to make accusations, dave, then be adult enought to back them up.

Accusation is not proof.

So as usual you got nuttin.

[King_David]

60. Hatefest or serious investigation? Iran hosts 2nd International New Horizon conference

http://saltspringnews.com/?ssnews_post=hatefest-or-serious-investigation-iran-hosts-2nd-international-new-horizon-conference-commentary-from-two-participants

[Scootaloo]

65. See, you found something!

Benjamin suggested a new project to highlight illegal Israeli settlements: activists hope to target one of the largest US-based real estate firms, RE/MAX, which “operates in over 90 countries, including Israel, where it sells homes complete with swimming pools in the West Bank to Israeli settlers in defiance of international law.” Every Sunday tens of thousands of “open houses” are held by RE/MAX around the world. Benjamin hopes activists will picket these open houses to embarrass RE/MAX into ceasing their West Bank activities.

What shameless holocaust denial!

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

68. Nothing really there, dave. You lose.

Or do you hate Code Pink activism?

Or do you hate that Medea Benjamin dropped the pants on illegal Israeli colonistas in the West Bank?

[GitRDun]

19. King David and shira are almost always first in to defend Israel

They are among those whose words you can read on DU and just see the obvious primal pro-Israel blinders.

There was nothing wrong with the content or sentiment in the article.

Killing begets nothing more than killing, most people understand that. The same holds true for unbridled domination over the powerless, collective punishment, etc. There is no happy ending.

I don't even need to read the words anymore from the likes of those two...

It's always blind support for Israel followed by the "you're an anti-semite!" for those who disagree with them, no matter how sincere.

[King_David]

20. Not true, the mere fact the article was written by an individual with absolutely zero credibility

Within the Jewish community ( important as she is writing the article as a member of such in order to boost her credibility) renders ANY article on such topic , written by this particular individual, absolutely irrelevant. No matter the content.

[Scootaloo]

23. Wait now, hold up Dave...

You can't with one hand proclaim your opinion to be the unanimous verdict of "the Jewish community," and then with the other, gripe that someone is trying to use their Jewishness to lend credibility to their position.

I mean, i guess technically you can, since you're doing exactly that, but it's pretty hypocritical, and is just over the border of bigoted.

[GitRDun]

36. lol ok

I see these tactics employed routinely on DU on this topic. Attack the source, deflect, hurl the anti-semite accusation around. It's truly laughable at this point. If the goal is to win hearts and minds it's not working.

The simple truth is that both Palestinians and Israeli's have things to apologize for, and, if they wanted to live in peace, they could choose to do so. Neither side has a plurality of people pushing for peace. They utilize these same tired tactics I see here on DU to justify the status quo. The only difference between the two sides is that one is creating more and more settlements on disputed lands, while the other side is powerless to stop them. Neither negotiates in good faith.

There is no happy ending given a status quo path to walk on, only more suffering and death. Attacking the alleged credibility of someone whose article clearly is trying to point out obstacles to peace, accomplishes nothing. Possibly it makes you feel better. If that's the case, I'm happy for you.

[King_David]

39. We were talking about Benjamin

Attempting to portray herself as
"Ms Average Jew" when the "genuine average Jew " would have nothing to do with anyone who attended a New Horizons Conference.

We weren't talking about all those other things in your post.

[GitRDun]

43. Yes Yes

Deflect! deflect! She is not worthy, therefore anything she says is of no value. I got it. Enjoy the day!

[Scootaloo]

45. Speaking as the sole voice of Jews, third time in one thread

Not just that, but attempting a de-Jewing, no less!

You're getting a little gratuitous there... sounding less like a King and more like a Duke, if you follow me.

[King_David]

46. The most bizarre thing is that you think your in a position to judge such things

You ...

[Scootaloo]

50. I am, actually.

The Jewish people have not elected a single person to be their "spokesperson," and if they did, you are certainly not it. However you are not only claiming this position with your three attempts to speak for all Jews on this thread, but you are also claiming power to strip someone's Jewish identity on the basis of whether they agree with you or not.

No one appointed you "Jewish spokesperson."
Certainly no one invested you with the power to "de-jew" people at your whim.

I am educated enough to know that both of these habits you show are very indicative of base and ugly bigotry against the group in question.

Go read post #22 - the last line of it applies to you too.

[King_David]

53. Bizarrely you a self proclaimed anti Zionist

Who is not part of the community thinks your in a position to pass judgement as a spokesman for another people's community.

Bizzare .

[Scootaloo]

55. I am telling you you do not get to speak for all Jews. You do not get to strip their identity.

I do not need to be Jewish to tell you this just as I do not have to be black to tell Bill Cosby he doesn't speak for blacks and doesn't get to determine who is and isn't "really black." Nor to tell you that you are engaging in anti-Jewish bigotry when you try to do so, as you are in this thread.

[King_David]

56. Again I must remind you ,You're clueless when it comes to what is and what is not antisemitic

You especially and bizarrely think you know better than Jewish experts such as the ADL.

Maybe even peruse our very own Jewish group here on DU ... Because you do not get to tell Jews what's antisemitic and what's not ... Jewish experts such as the ADL get to decide this.

[Scootaloo]

62. I'm sorry, didn't you just gripe about people writing as Jews in order to "boost their credibility"?

You did, in fact. Also the same post where you assumed your individual opinion was universal among all Jews.

Also, didn't you tuck tail and run away from the ADL's definition of antisemitism?

I am absolutely qualified to tell you what is and what is not antisemitism because - get this - the word has a definition. In part:

It may also include prejudiced or stereotyped views about Jews.

Your belief that your opinion - and your opinion alone - singularly defines the opinions of all Jews, as expressed there in Post #20, is absolutely a stereotyping of Jews - and quite a negative one at that.

And I have perused the Jewish group, Dave. Funny thing, I'd probably have a better opportunity to read a plurality of Jewish opinions by going to the cooking forum, blindfolding myself, and clicking randomly. If not, at least I'll find a lovely asparagus dip recipe.

[King_David]

63. TLDR

[Scootaloo]

64. How's that ninja act shaping up, Dave?

[King_David]

66. .

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1134&pid=96474

[Scootaloo]

67. I have a song for you

♬Brave King David ran away.
Bravely ran away away.
When reality reared it's ugly head,
He bravely turned his tail and fled.
Yes, brave King David turned about
And gallantly he chickened out.
****Bravely**** taking to his feet,
He beat a very brave retreat.
Bravest of the braaaave, King David!♬

[King_David]

69. Enjoy your few weeks here

Bye

[Scootaloo]

70. You too, Dave

I expect that if you keep up on your current course, you'll be joining some friends of yours.

Maybe stick to praising Israel for its in thumb-based technologies involving Miley Cyrus' butt, instead of trying to pose as the spokesman for all jews on earth, kay?

[King_David]

71. Your accusing me of something?

I'm a Gay , Jewish ,Zionist .

I support everything DU supports includuding the support for the Democratic Party in a big way,

You are a self described anti Zionist and would not be able to even be accepted as a volunteer to ANY democratic party campaign with the extremist antiZionist views you espouse.( I won't even start on the Gay stuff)

You have had multiple "time outs" from DU ... Multiple...

And you have the Chutzpah to falsely accuse me of being an islamaphobe and infer should be worried about losing my privileges here?

Hint : someone exposing Scootaloo for what Scootaloo stands for does not make a person an islamaphobe, it has nothing to do with Islam but all about exposing a self described "antiZionist".

Seriously?

[Scootaloo]

72. No, please do "start on the gay stuff" Dave.

Let's see you back up your stuff some more.

[King_David]

73. I see you're no longer banned from the LGBT group

Good to see and I am happy with that progress .


But I will not continue that discussion here now .

Bye

[Scootaloo]

74. <Snicker>

Stay classy, Dave.

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

59. It is so very republicanesque in attitude, isn't it?

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

58. David sounds like a Duke?

[King_David]

61. The show continues here with you two:

Last edited Thu Mar 5, 2015, 02:16 PM - Edit history (1)

https://m.

[Ken Burch]

25. Medea Benjamin has nothing to do with Holocaust deniers. n/t.

[King_David]

33. She participated in the New Horizons Conference

So it appears your statement is not actually correct.

It's disappointing, I know.


http://blog.adl.org/international/iran-new-horizon-conference-draws-u-s-anti-semites-holocaust-deniers

[Ken Burch]

48. She went to a conference.

In and of itself, that means nothing.

Her presence there didn't give that conference any greater authority in the world's eyes.

You should be mad at Iran about that, not Medea Benjamin.

Medea is progressive and anti-oppression.

You're just demonizing her about this because she stood up to Netanyahu's call for an unjust war against Iran(we all know that increased sanctions can't lead to anything BUT war-just admit it already).

[King_David]

49. No actually I thunk that any Jew who participated in a Holocaust Denial conference

Is not worthy of ANYTHING.

Period.

This women is persona non grata...

[King_David]

3. Medea Benjamin, the same Jew who attends Holocaust Denial conferences?

http://blog.adl.org/international/iran-new-horizon-conference-draws-u-s-anti-semites-holocaust-deniers


Iran New Horizon Conference Draws U.S. Anti-Semites, Holocaust Deniers

------------------------------------------------


Whatever Medea Benjamin has to say on any topic relating to Jews , Israel , Zionists etc etc is completely irrelevant to any discussion on that topic.

WTF cares what Medea Benjamin's point of view is....

[brendan120678]

5. Absolutely. She has no credibility, in my opinion,

Especially when it comes to topics regarding Jews, Israel, or AIPAC.

Yes, she's entitled to her opinions. But as someone who associates with Holocaust deniers and other anti-Semites, her opinion matters little to me.

[atreides1]

4. They need to change their name

Because this organization seems to be more concerned with Israeli affairs then they do with American...

[HoosierCowboy]

7. The Clock is ticking for Israel

Demographically, Israel is gone in 20 years. Overrun one way or another by the Arab population, that's why Bibi wants European Jews to migrate to Israel, because the Jewish population of Israel is in collapse and Israel needs a replacement population to continue.

It's time to get real about Israels future

[King_David]

16. That's wishful thinking on some peoples behalf,

But not based in any reality.

Back to the books for you , there's a lot to learn.

[tiptonic]

8. Guilt

The (Holocaust) guilt angle, is a very powerful tool. The Israeli government has been superb, at using it in this country. Not to mention, the tremendous amount of money involved. Every time Israel comes under criticism, the Holocaust movies and specials, start showing up on TV. No offense to anyone intended.

[King_David]

15. That's offensive. nt

[shaayecanaan]

26. I alerted on it

for all the good it did:-

On Tue Mar 3, 2015, 09:40 PM you sent an alert on the following post:

Guilt
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1134&pid=96538

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

YOUR COMMENTS

insinuating that tv specials about the holocaust are specifically timed to boost netanyahu are offensive, IMO.

JURY RESULTS

A randomly-selected Jury of DU members completed their review of this alert at Tue Mar 3, 2015, 09:47 PM, and voted 3-4 to LEAVE IT ALONE.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #4 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: This smacks of conspiracy theory. "The secret evil Hollywood insiders in league with the government of Israel." Really? Not only offensive, but paranoid. I hate to say this, but this post has a very Republican smell to it. (I hope that doesn't offend the Republicans. Oh wait, I don't care!)
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #6 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: Typical conflating of Jews and Israel, but it is OK when THEY do it. Criticism of Israel is never anti-Semitic.
Juror #7 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given

[Scootaloo]

41. "No explanation needed" - For real. For real?

[leftynyc]

18. Disgusting post

But I'm not going to alert on it. Let others see the kind of crap that is left standing here.

[father founding]

10. 10,000 AIPAC supporters

Wow, all the Jews in the country will be there !

[King_David]

14. So if you had to guess who had more support from mainstream

Jewish community... Aipac or Medea Benjamin ,who proudly attended The New Horizons Conference in Iran ?

[Scootaloo]

22. The fuck?

Wow. Okay. First off...

The population of people who self-identify as Jewish in the US is 6.5 million. You will notice, through the magical powers of basic arithmetic, that this is substantially larger than 10,000.

Second, you should be quote aware that AIPAC is not supported by all Jews. Probably not even a majority, or even a plurality (again, math terms, just google it.) I would presume most Jews in the US give about as much a damn either way about AIPAC as I give about the Irish National Caucus (hint - I had no idea there was such a thing until just looked it up.)

You are wrong all over the place, and the insinuation you are trying to cook up with your wrongness is vile and unwelcome here. Maybe take it to Skinners' other website, disgustingus.

[shaayecanaan]

27. Hear hear

Good post.

[guillaumeb]

17. AIPAC is a lobbying group for continuous war

AIPAC does not speak for "jews", even though they claim to do so. Jews, like any group, do not speak in one voice. There are many Jews who disagree with the expansionism and ethnic cleansing that the Israeli government is practicing in Palestine. (The link below is one group that disagrees with the contention that AIPAC speaks for all Jews.).
http://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/campaigns/aipac-does-not-speak-for-me

But many posters insist on equating unconditional support for the Israeli government with being supportive of Jewish people. A false analogy that they use to shut off debate and/or any criticism of the policies of the Israeli government.