Russ Feingold’s shot for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination is fundamentally based upon one thing: His vote against the Iraq War. Oh, there are other reasons for progressive Democrats to support Russ Feingold for President, but his opposition to the Iraq War is the thing that makes him stand out from the pack of other Democratic contenders, and attracts the support of progressive Democratic activists.
Now, the Russ Feingold for President movement is hitting a roadbump. In reaction to the expansion of conflict in the Middle East through the exchange of missile fire by Israel and Hizbollah fighters hanging out in Lebanon, Russ Feingold has joined George W. Bush in choosing sides in the war, aligning himself without reservation with Israel.
On Friday, July 14, commenting on the war between Israel and Hizbollah, and the bombing of Lebanon, Senator Feingold said, “I stand firmly with the people of Israel and their government as they defend themselves against these outrageous attacks. The kidnapping of Israeli soldiers and missile attacks against Israeli citizens are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.”
I have no argument with Feingold’s claim that kidnapping and missile attacks against Israeli citizens are unacceptable, but why does Feingold fall silent when it comes to the huge number of civilians killed in Israel’s missile attacks against Lebanon? As J. Clifford pointed out this morning, 92.7 percent of the people killed by Israel’s attacks into Lebanon so far have been civilians. Does Russ Feingold believe that these attacks are acceptable? Does he believe that these attacks can be tolerated?
Antiwar activists in the Democratic Party are paying attention to how the prospective Democratic candidates for President are dealing with this rapidly growing crisis. So far, Russ Feingold gets a failing grade. This is no time for the American government to be choosing sides. Both Hizbollah and Israel are engaging in outrageous behavior. American support for Israel’s slaughter of innocents in Lebanon will make it all the more difficult for us to stabilize Iraq and end that war without disaster.
Russ Feingold’s antiwar credibility took a nosedive this weekend. He ought to know better than to join President Bush as a cheerleader for Israel’s attacks.
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RUSS FEINGOLD IS NOT “LOYAL” TO ISRAEL.
Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold
On the Escalating Situation in the Middle East
July 25, 2006
“I support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations. As ground operations are conducted in Lebanon, Israel should use as much restraint as possible and do all it can to protect the lives of innocent civilians. The escalating situation is all the more reason for the U.S. to become more engaged by appointing a high level special envoy to the region – someone like Colin Powell or James Baker – who can engage in aggressive diplomatic efforts to find a solution to this conflict.â€
I cannot emphasise these words enough,
“Israel should use as much restraint as possible and do all it can to protect the lives of innocent civilians”
I wish Russ Feingold would head over there to the Middle East and show evreyone how a little something called DIPLOMACY is done.He is the only one who seems to have a clear head about the situation and would be more welcomed than the likes of Condoleeza Rice.
Russ may not be perfect but he is genuine and authentic. His was the only voice against the Patriot Act. He was against the war and outspoken against the villifying language the war on terror such as “IslamoFascism.”
He is truly a rare breed. He is a Politician who says and votes his conscience, no matter what even his own party thinks. He most certainly can not be perfect, but he’s a lot closer than most others in Politics.