Full Text Of Sen. Obama's Statement On Israel's Sixtieth Anniversary

[The Magistrate]

As this Gentleman seems likely, at least, to be the Democratic Party's nominee for President, his statement seems worth reading entire and un-adorned....

This week marks the 60th anniversary of the fulfillment of a dream -- the independence of the State of Israel. Throughout many centuries, Jews held fast to the hope of returning as free people to the land of their ancestors. Blessed with visionary leaders like Theodore Herzl and David Ben-Gurion, in the 20th century they began to take the practical steps necessary to build a modern state. Against all odds, and overcoming obstacles from international indifference, to hostile opposition in the region, to the murderous crimes of the Nazis, the leaders of the Zionist movement declared the establishment of the State of Israel in May 1948. In their moment of triumph, they were immediately plunged into a war for their new nation's very survival. Because of the courage and commitment of its people, Israel did survive. While threats to its existence have endured, Israelis have built their nation into a strong, vibrant democracy, with a prosperous economy, a rich cultural life, and a deep friendship with the United States that benefits both our peoples in so many ways. Even in hard times, Israelis have so much to be proud of. As the Jewish State continues to grow and prosper, the United States will always stand with Israel to ensure it can defend itself against threat of terrorism and violence, from as close as Gaza and as far as Tehran. We must never waver in our unshakeable commitment help Israel achieve its goal of true security through lasting peace with its neighbors.

On this happy occasion, I send congratulations and warm wishes to President Peres, Prime Minister Olmert, and the Israeli people, and I join with Jews and friends of Israel everywhere in celebrating Israel's 60th Independence Day.

http://www.barackobama.com/2008/05/07/statement_of_barack_obama_on_i.php

[electropop]

1. This is one of the few points that I don't like about Obama.

We will continue to be ruled by AIPAC.

[msmcghee]

2. Cheer up. He could be lying. n/t

[The Magistrate]

4. No Reason To Assume That, Ma'am

Politics in this country is what it is, and no one with serious aspirations to national office will do other than align with the deeply rooted sentiments of the people regarding this subject.

[msmcghee]

12. And that's what he's doing. I agree. n/t

[Vegasaurus]

3. we are not ruled by AIPAC

although we might be ruled by big oil.

There is much to celebrate in Israel.

[azurnoir]

11. Perhaps Obama can tell the difference between

being a friend of Israel and being merely an opportunistic enabler.

BTW what AIPAC rules is a large sum of money that is given out as campaign donations, he or she who promises the most of what they want gets the most money and as legend has it the candidate with the most campaign money wins or so it said.

[notfullofit]

5. Return to the land of their ancestors

'Throughout many centuries, Jews held fast to the hope of returning as free people to the land of their ancestors.'

I assume he is speaking biblically?

[The Magistrate]

6. Hardly A Necessity Of The Statement, Sir

Geographers of the Classical period suffice to establish of the people there in antiquity, and the result of repeated Messianic rebellion against Rome is well documented. There is no serious challenge to the fact that Jews in the various regions of the world can largely trace ancestry to that original root population.

[notfullofit]

7. I see

serious challenges to that statement each and every day, no?

[The Magistrate]

8. Forgive Me, Sir, Your Meaning Is Not Clear To Me

[notfullofit]

9. The modern day

contention is that the Jews don't belong in Israel.
How may times throughout the centuries has 'that' land been stolen by someone or other laying claim to their homeland.

[The Magistrate]

10. My Comment, Sir, Related Solely To The Question Of Ancestral Linkage

There is no square inch of this earth someone has not stolen from someone else twice at least by now.

If one were to go by religious texts, one would have to acknowledge Jews stole the ground in the first place, and to regard it as anything else would require assent to a particular religious doctrine under which this was simply the will of the deity, and so right as rain despite appearances....

[notfullofit]

13. Too true. Thank you. nt