Some in the American Jewish community are raising questions about Barack Obama's commitment to the state of Israel, questions that are being exploited by his political opponents. The Republican Jewish Coalition has sponsored newspaper ads accusing Obama of "dangerously naïve foreign policy thinking" when it comes to the Middle East. On May 22, 2008, Obama held a town hall meeting at the B'nai Torah Congregation, a synagogue in Boca Raton, Florida. In these excerpts from his speech, Obama pledges an "unshakable commitment" to Israel and argues that the war in Iraq actually endangers Israel.
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Hello:
I am deeply concerned,as an involved member of The Christian Community, Does Senator Obama have enough EXPERIENCE TO LEAD;our USA, to promote BETTER RELATIONS with our long time friend, Israel?
At the tender age of 75, former USA Gunnery Sergeant, USMC, I follow orders, period. Old Marine saying; "Salute not the PERSON wearing the uniform, Salute the uniform, WHAT THE UNIFORM STANDS FOR."
The Senator's EXPERIENCE FACTOR has me deeply concerned! YET if he becomes Commander in Chief, I and my fellow Marines will salute the Office and follow it's orders.
J.C. Lettow
Former Gunnery Sergeant, USMC
gunnyjc@cox.net
I voted for Barack Obama DESPITE his comment about an "unshakable" commitment to Israel. I think he is intelligent enough to recognize that there are two groups of citizens in Israel: the Jewish and the Arab/Palestinean. If the Israeli government does not give equal rights to all its citizens, I am not sure how much support the United States should give it. The "American Jewish community" seems awfully sure that Israel should make no compromises with or concessions to its neighbors; this seems to me presumptuous, as the Israelis are the ones who have to live in the neighborhood.