Democracy Arsenal

« Hypocrite, Hypocrite, Two-Faced | Main | Expert-Checking The Security Debate »

September 21, 2011

Rick Perry's Deeply Clownish Pro-Israel Press Conference
Posted by Michael Cohen

ClownNothing defines a modern presidential campaign like deep and pathetic genuflection to America's staunch and unyielding defenders of Israel; and apparently yesterday was Rick Perry's turn to prostrate himself. I have to say in an era of deeply clownish campaign performances this performance was really quite something. Andrew Exum has done a nice job of annotating the presser here, but there are a few things jumped out to me as well . . . like Perry's opening sentence

I am joined today by a diverse group of Jewish leaders from here and abroad who share my concern that the United Nations could take action this week to legitimize the Palestinian gambit to establish statehood in violation of the spirit of the 1993 Oslo Accords.

I guess no one told Rick Perry that Israeli settlement expansion (which has tripled since Oslo was signed) is also a "violation of the spirit of the 1993 Oslo Accords." Of course if someone had told Perry this is would have likely bounced right off him: after all as Christiane Amanpour reported Perry told her he has no problem with Israeli settlement growth, "Israel should be allowed to keep building (settlements)," said the Texas Governor.

This position is in opposition to 30-years of US policy - and contradicts the view held by a trio of GOP presidents. But hey, nakedly pandering to domestic constituencies is hard work. 

Speaking of pandering and appeasement Perry also said this, "It is time to change our policy of appeasement toward the Palestinians to strengthen our ties to the nation of Israel."

Honestly, this is one of the craziest things I've heard come out of the mouth of a American politician in quite some time. The United States is currently preparing to veto a UN Security Council Resolution creating a Palestinian state; it has been lobbying members of the Security Council and the General Assembly to vote against said resolution - in what alternate Texas-universe is this appeasement? Perhaps its the same Texas universe where scientists believe climate change is not real? If the United States was appeasing the Palestinians or even the Arab street (another charge by Perry) wouldn't the Obama Administration be supporting Palestinian statehood?*

It's almost as if Rick Perry believes that to prove America's fealty to Israel we have to veto resolutions that negatively affect Israel . . . and also have our diplomats tape kick me signs to the back of Mahmoud Abbas.

If Rick Perry truly believes that the Obama Administration is "appeasing the Palestinians" he either has no idea what is happening in the Middle East or he doesn't know what the word appeasement actually means. 

But then again the number of rank misstatements in Perry's remarks is something to truly behold:

"This administration encouraged the Palestinians to shun direct talks." - Actually that's why the Palestinians are going to the UN; there are no direct talks taking place.

"By injecting the issue of 1967 borders in addition to a construction freeze in East Jerusalem and Israeli settlements, the Obama Administration has put Israel in a position of weakness and taken away their flexibility to offer concessions as part of the negotiation process." - and yet in the same remarks Perry demands that "Palestinian leaders must publicly affirm Israel’s right to exist, and to exist as a Jewish state" AND "Abbas must persuade all factions including Hamas to renounce acts of terrorism and release kidnapped Israeli Gilad Shalit."

So Israel must have complete flexibility in negotiations . . . Palestinians must surrender in advance. Of course, considering that Perry believes "moral equivalency" between the Israeli desire to live in peace and Palestinians to have a state is a "dangerous insult" this contradictory position sort of makes sense.

Perry even makes nutty statements about countries in the region, "Who knows what the leadership of Iran would look like today if America had done everything in its power to provide diplomatic and moral support to encourage the growing movement of dissidents who sought freedom."

Ooh call on me - I know the answer! "Iran would look exactly the same." What do I win?

Of course, part of Perry's confusion might stem from the fact that he is blinded . . . by religious devotion.  According to Perry, “As a Christian I have a clear directive to support Israel . . . But that’s easy for me. Both as an American and as a Christian, I am going to stand with Israel.”

I don't even know what to make of this. It really isn't everyday that a politician seeking the White House would boast of the fact that they are basing foreign policy decision-making on religious faith. I'm not even sure Jews would make an argument like this. Someone really needs to update Rick Perry on this whole-separation-of-church-and-state thing.

Of course, it's fun to joke about this stuff, but in reality it's serous business - and indicative of how twisted debates about Israel have become in modern American politics. The assumption among Republican politicians - and a bevy of Democrats - is that the United States must unwaveringly support whatever the current Israeli government deems to be in its national interests . . . with little actual consideration of what US interests in the region might be.

That the support we are providing is emboldening the worst impulses of Israel's government is only turning political farce into national tragedy.

 

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451c04d69e2015435968edc970c

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Rick Perry's Deeply Clownish Pro-Israel Press Conference:

Comments

Rick Perry can reply for himself tho I doubt he reads the gibberish you write. I adhere to the Gordis doctrine, i.e., unless you start from the premise that Israel is a legitimate State worthy of a free and peaceful existence like any other nation-state, and a Jewish State yet protective of its minorities' rights and freedoms, we have nothing talk about. Suffice to say, Israel imposed numerous stop-building policies in the hopes the PA would show up for coffee and negotiations all to no avail. Instead, Israel got suicide bombs and rocket fire into her schools, hospitals, retail stores, even a school bus. Your attempts at sarcasm are pathetic, and your one-sided attacks on Israel are disgusting. Moreover, your facts are all wrong.

Good share,you article very great, very usefull for us…thank you. I just like the approach you took with this subject. It isn’t every day that you discover something so concise and enlightening.

http://www.innorthfaceoutlet.com
Yet, with a small insight in addition to course, cheap polo shirts this concern is sorted without difficulty!

Nice brief and this post helped me alot in my college assignement. Say thank you you as your information.

Israel has always been a dilemma for the US. It's tricky and it's bloody. But what troubles me is how the politicians are going to use it for their campaigns.

At the start, it seems the western world owe something to Israel. But as times goes by values and situations do change. Yet as far as the demand for a Palestinian state goes, it still has been a stalemate all along. I think Israel must still give space for its minority and the US can do a lot to make this happen.

Nice brief and this post helped me alot in my college assignement. Say thank you you as your information.

Good post! Thanks a lot.


Dal 1952, Moncler Outlet, che è entrata nella linea del commercio straccio stato notato per il suo design alla moda, e Piumini Moncler ha vinto grande fama sia in patria che in larga 1980 da work.Moncler 2011 dedicato e diligente non solo si potrebbe offrire la necessità di base, ma anche prendere gli elementi di personalitiy e la diversificazione in considerazione per rendere il tessuto giusto per le vostre necessità personali. Piumini Moncler Donna - Sul nostro sito vi promettiamo che i prezzi incredibili e servizio clienti eccellente in tutti i disegni Moncler Sito sono forniti. Benvenuti!

Moncler Sito Ufficiale - Tenere fuori al freddo con uno di questi design esclusivo Piumini Moncler!

Non importa quale parte del paese in cui vivi,o in quale periodo dell'anno è, tutti hanno bisogno di una giacca o un cappotto che è funzionale ed elegante. Qui è la scelta migliore. Moncler 2011 sono così attraente nella ricerca che può essere facilmente invidia gli altri. Moncler è una vecchia, ma non per argomento data. Abbiamo appena cann't ignorare l'esistenza di Moncler Giubbotti per le vendite a caldo sono qua e là. Design classico, qualità dei materiali e dei colori disponibili e sizes.Welcome alla fabbrica Moncler Uomo donna negozio e si potrebbe pensare che la vostra scelta è giusta.

Great this is really interesting!

If you can sew a straight seam, this is the project for you. Trim the sides of the fleece blanket with white cotton rope, white base tape, or even ribbon. These items can be found at any sewing notions or craft store. You can even add tassels on to the corners to add a touch of elegance. Also try to pick your fleece blankets or fleece throws in softer colors such as beige, discount travel bags, peach, light yellow, powder blue or pale pink.

ou. Trim the sides of Hyperfuse 2011 the fleece blanket with white cotton rope, white base tape, or even ribbon. These items can be found at any sewing notions o

Thanks for sharing ,Retro Jordans I learn more information form your website .Hope you can do better future.


Your article swept me away with its vast information and great writing. Thank you for sharing your views with such passion. I like your views.

Great Blog I love the lay out and the color scheme is it possible to get a copy of your theme?

Your thoughts about the art and creativity is really nice. I remember this visit every time when i thought about this topic. Thanks for this wonderful sharing.

I say this Nation has had ENOUGH of one Christian Cowboy for a lifetime. Go HOME Perry!!!

Yes!! I'm agree with you!! Thanks for your sharing and i will drop here if i have time!!

That's right!! Great opinion!! Thanks for your sharing!!


lhCRC4CK7N17Llh

Yes!! I'm agree with you!! Thanks for your sharing and i will drop here if i have time!!

That's right!! Great opinion!! Thanks for your sharing!!

I remember this visit every time when i thought about this topic. Thanks for this wonderful sharing.


lhCRC4CK7N17Llh

Yes!! I'm agree with you!! Thanks for your sharing and i will drop here if i have time!! .Hope you can do better future.

That's right!! Great opinion!! Thanks for your sharing!!


lhCRC4CK7N17Llh

I remember this visit every time when i thought about this topic

Ich mag diesen Stil, und wollen mehr Informationen auf dieser Website zu lernen, aktualisieren Sie bitte, ich werde weiterhin auf dieser Website Fokus

thanks for post admin. nice

This position is in opposition to 30-years of US policy - and contradicts the view held by a trio of GOP presidents. But hey, nakedly pandering to domestic constituencies is hard work.

I think, this is a funny style

Ich mag diesen Stil, und wollen mehr Informationen auf dieser Website zu lernen

Yes!! I'm agree with you!! Thanks for your sharing and i will drop here if i have time!!

"Christi's: Gucci collector of" program has been launched in this short months collector of services, has received from some 25 countries assessed 600 applications. The first products to evaluate antique Gucci Gucci Gucci official website received collector of throughout the world upload their frequentand then by Christie and Gucci files sectors from the expert group to be assessed. Including Gucci handbags and Jewellery, including, most intensive more than your distinctive precious in Christie's upcoming annual "Fashion Through the Ages" on display at auction wholesale fashion designer.
With nearly 90 years of history, Gucci manufactured fine products has long been enshrined as treasures to be handed down for generation to generation, and to collectors of boutique favorable replica cheap handbags make you happy. Impeccable craftsmanship and quality that Gucci works become valuable collections, and its classical design is permanent attractive gives those products replica designer clothing. "Christie's Presents: Gucci collectors," especially for those who wanted their valuable collections to know more about the origin and value of the fanaticism collectors and design of Gucci, will prove to be Surrounded by a great collection of solitary origin for the collection novice favored.wholesale fashion designer wallets, fashion jewelry,Designer Sunglasses, cheap womens boots, etc.

The guy essentially has enough brains to become embarrassed?

West Indies captain Darren Sammy hailed his side's 25-run victory in the second and final match of their Twenty20 International Series against England, saying it was a big morale booster ahead of the series in India and Bangladesh.

It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! I’m sure you had fun writing this article.


Yes, all the above all post are informative and provide great information so thanks to share it

Your posbnv t is rocking and knowledgeable… I really appreciate the way you write . I would like to read more from you.


your article is interesting, thank you for sharing
Thanks for sharing us onLine

I have read the whole story of this blog,after i read it i think its one of the best story on this site.Thanks for sharing this.

I think that Rick Perry is just acting as a candidate. So he says he will change things but he doesn't really believe it. He knows the US has been an allie to Israel and it will keep it that way. It's the kind of statements we can't take really seriously.

I also have information to share. Still a princely look for discount christian louboutin sale lively, the protagonist of perhaps the most beautiful parade on the red carpet of bafta brits to watch christian louboutin sales, in Los Angeles. The beautiful actress gossip girl and green lantern has worn a wonderful creation christian louboutin shoes, a garment signed marchioness really princely as you will see sales christian louboutin daffodile from the images of the gallery, that donates a lot and is expertly completed by christian louboutin 2011 of course! Christian louboutin sneakers mary jane pumps shoe-designer of which our serena van der woodsen fails to dispense in any occasion! Among other things, christian louboutin sale the lively was also crowned as the most glamorous actress of the time, christian louboutin sales and watching it slip off with this outfit, like you do to blame his many admirers christian louboutin shoes? I am surprised that he even conquered the hearts of leonardo dicaprio christian louboutin daffodile?

Your ideas are too great. You analyze the problem from the point of view of new and original., From your point of view I learned many things. I quite agree with what you talk about. I hope I can continue to study with you and know more novel ideas from you.Thanks for your sharing.
hongxinmaoyi233post

Your post is an excellent example,I keep on reading this attractive blog.

The assumption among Republican politicians - and a bevy of Democrats - is that the United States must unwaveringly support whatever the current Israeli government deems to be in its national interests . . . with little actual consideration of what US interests in the region might be.
seslichat seslisohbet güncel haberler fragman izle

It was a sunny Fall day, crisp and blue and gold. Kevin and his friend Katie climbed onto the school bus, heading for the Pumpkin Patch. They sat on the back bench and had fun bouncing around. But Katie was grumpy. She didn't want to go on the trip. She hated cold Fall weather and pumpkins and everything. The bus parked at the farm. There was an enormous pile of orange pumpkins beside a wagon and tractor. Everyone rushed for the wagon. Kevin and Katie sat in the front as it headed out. They watched the huge wheels of the tractor bump slowly over ruts in the dirt path. More bouncing! Then the tractor stopped. On either side long rows of pumpkins lay in the dust, each in its own tangle of vines. They were all different sizes and shades of orange, with light brown patches.

For every single act that is senselessly destructive, there are thousands more small, quiet acts of love, kindness and compassion. For every person who seeks to hurt, there are many, many more who devote their lives to helping and to healing.

We shall always save a place for ourselves, only for ourselves. And then begin to love. Have no idea of what it is, who he is, how to love or how long it will be. Just wait for one love. Maybe no one will come out, but this kind of waiting is the love itself.

very happy to read your blog.Thank you for sharing this article.It is great!
Thanks for sharing this nice post.I will keep your article in my idea.

In this excerpt, although watch out of ten is one of many watches only the tip of the iceberg, is different ........ Make sure you buy your watch from a well-known dealer to ensure that you are not being ripped off. It helps if they have an address or a store that you can visit, should you have any issues with your purchase. You can often easily check their address using Google Maps street view to see if their shop is where they say it is.

r watch from a well-known dealer to ensure that you are not being ripped off. It helps if they have an address or a store that you can visit, should you hav

I'm sorry, accounting for a position. Life ah, is not easy.
shox norge

that you are not being ripped off. It helps if they have an address or a store that you can visit, should you hav

your opinion is right! I support you! I will let my friends to read!

I support you! I will let my friends to read!

I'd actually love to review these boxes on my shopping/lifestyle blog. i wonder if they'd send me a sample box to talk about?

that you are not being ripped off. It helps if they have an address or a store that you can visit, should you have any issues with your purchase.

is not easy.

The roots of education are bitter , but the fruit is sweet.

It is at our mother's knee that we acquire our noblest and truest and highest, but there is seldom any money in them.

I am fascinated by your stories. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. There's much more to be gained. It is the old what goes around comes around routine.

Thank you very much for you perfect and useful post .it's really valuable

cheap cigarettes online in view, the supersonic prestigious aircrafts, the BAC Concorde aircraft was designed as a turbojet powered supersonic passenger airliner

cheap cigarettes online in view, the supersonic prestigious aircrafts, the BAC Concorde aircraft was designed as a turbojet powered supersonic

cheap cigarettes online in view, the supersonic prestigious aircrafts, the BAC Concorde aircraft was designed as a turbojet powered supersonic

Thank you very much for you perfect and useful post .it's really valuable

"adiPUREとadiZERO最初に考えたアウトドアシューズ スニーカー特価のを持って来るために、過去に確かにadidasのサッカーシューズの2つです、そして2011年から2つの用語はもはや排他的なサッカーのシリーズはありません。 adiPUREとadiZEROのバナイキ スニーカースケットボールシューズの出現をされているとして、アディダスのテニスの製品ラインもadiPURE PROとadiZEROフェザーは、2つの新しいテニ
ニューバランススシューズをオープンしました。カテゴリーは違いますが、家族の特性が接続されていますが、adiPURE PROは、外観の古典的なシンプルさと性能の全体的なバランスをもたらす、とadiZEROフェザー好調ファミリは、スピード感を持って最も鮮やかに反映さadiZEROなります。靴のファンの可用性の認識の考え方の概
ナイキ ジョーダン念を作成し、唯一の私たちが待って見ることができるようにフルラインの製品ラインを持つこのサッカーシューズなど"

I love your blog very much, more more info, I will concern it again!

Don't know what is wrong what is rite but i know that every one has there own point of view and same goes to this one

Obama, since his first day in office - has been actively trying to restore US engagement and influence in Asia, especially in Southeast Asia

it's fun to joke about this stuff, but in reality it's serous business - and indicative of how twisted debates about Israel have become in modern American politics.

Wonderful journey and experience!

Your article is very good, read your article

nice and great article.

Great post, thanks a lot!

Have you ever felt that Microsoft Office a game needed or lacked a certain element to it?

Hi, thanks so very much for these suggestions!...

Post a comment

Comments are moderated, and will not appear on this weblog until the author has approved them.

This weblog only allows comments from registered users. To comment, please Sign In.

Subscribe
Sign-up to receive a weekly digest of the latest posts from Democracy Arsenal.
Email: 
Powered by TypePad

Disclaimer

The opinions voiced on Democracy Arsenal are those of the individual authors and do not represent the views of any other organization or institution with which any author may be affiliated.
Read Terms of Use