Max Blumenthal has a nice expose on Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL). Grayson has become something of a progressive hero because of his stand on a number of issues.
He seems fearless.
But not when it comes to Israel where he is pure AIPAC. 100% path of least resistance. And proud of it.
It just goes to my point that most Members of Congress only stick
their necks out on issues when they are sure it won't cost
them....anything. That is why some of your favorite legislators who are
great on the environment, labor, marriage equality, health care,
Afghanistan, Iraq, whatever, are hawks on Israel. They are afraid of
AIPAC.
Grayson is typical. Brave, with a big asterisk.
AIPAC is for liberals what the NRA is for the right. The only
differences are that AIPAC is a foreign policy lobby while the NRA's
clients are American gunowners and manufacturers. And, two, the right's
stand on guns is not inconsistent with its other views.
But progressives who oppose the Iraq war, and excoriated Bush for
waging it, and who are poised to oppose Obama on Afghanistan, deserve
to be taken to task when they support the Gaza war, settlements, and
everything the Israeli government does. It's plain old hypocrisy.
I doubt these guys care. For them, the Israeli right is always right.
Cross posted on TPM