The Good Virus


I can’t believe it’s 7:30 already, and I am just now getting something online. Totally my bad.

Anyway, I got an email this morning that got me thinking. Here it is in full:

Subject: Barack Obama’s position on Israel

We are about to enter an historic time in the history of the United States, Israel and the world. For the first time in the 232 year history of our nation, an African American will be nominated to be President by one of our major political parties. What a stark contrast from the thoughts of the Founding Fathers of our country.

For months, the Internet has been full of allegations about Barack Obama being a threat to Israel. My personal opinion is that the writings on the Internet were politically motivated and were not true, as much of what we read on the Internet is not true. I have been waiting to hear or read a definitive statement by Barack Obama on Israel. That came today. Obama spoke to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in Washington at its annual conference. AIPAC is the official lobbying organization that has as its sole purpose preserving the strength of the relationship between the U.S. and Israel. I strongly urge you to read Barack Obama’s own words below that reflect his philosophy on Israel and what he would do if elected President, regardless of whether you are a registered Republican or a Democrat. I know that the speech is long, but this is a very important issue. The election in November is crucial and every one of us needs to gather as much information as possible about the candidates. I believe that reading Barack Obama’s speech today should be an integral part of the homework that you do in deciding who to vote for. Do not vote based upon what someone else writes on the Internet. Vote based upon the words that actually come out of the candidates’ mouths. You can hear Obama’s entire speech or watch clips of it by going to AIPAC’s website at http://www.aipac.org/about_AIPAC/Learn_About_AIPAC/2841_12161.asp

You should note the following statements by Obama:

“But 60 years later, we know that we cannot relent, we cannot yield, and as President I will never compromise when it comes to Israel’s security.”

“Those who threaten Israel threaten us. Israel has always faced these threats on the front lines. And I will bring to the White House an unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security.”

“I will ensure that Israel can defend itself from any threat – from Gaza to Tehran.”

“As President, I will work to help Israel achieve the goal of two states, a Jewish state of Israel and a Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security. And I won’t wait until the waning days of my presidency. I will take an active role, and make a personal commitment to do all I can to advance the cause of peace from the start of my Administration.”

“Let me be clear. Israel’s security is sacrosanct. It is non-negotiable. The Palestinians need a state that is contiguous and cohesive, and that allows them to prosper – but any agreement with the Palestinian people must preserve Israel’s identity as a Jewish state, with secure, recognized and defensible borders. Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided.”

“The danger from Iran is grave, it is real, and my goal will be to eliminate this threat.”

“We will also use all elements of American power to pressure Iran. I will do everything in my power to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.”

“Finally, let there be no doubt: I will always keep the threat of military action on the table to defend our security and our ally Israel.”

This is totally fascinating to me because the man who forwarded it is a South Floridian Jewish man over 60. I know many of his contemporaries have been concerned about Obama – partly because of the candidate’s age and partly because they didn’t know where he stood on Israel. (That is a very big concern for this particular demographic). The fact that they are passing this information around makes me feel good about his ability make inroads in a community that has been skeptical. Remember, Obama didn’t campaign in Florida so no one down there got to know him.

Also important is this email’s call for its recipients to ignore the misinformation they’re bound to hear online. Snopes has got a copy of the anti-Obama email that’s been circulating claiming Obama is a radical Muslim. According to them, it’s been out since January. I guarantee this is only the start of what we’re bound to see from the other side.

The Obama campaign speaks of hope. The note I got this morning about Obama gave me a nice little dose of it.

2 thoughts on “The Good Virus”

  1. It’s fascinating that so many of the people who are concerned about Obama’s religion (I got that original email months ago from my 85-year-old aunt) seem to bothered both that he’s Muslim and that he went to a church with a preacher they don’t like … Reminds me of the classic anti-semitic accusation that Jews are all Communists and rich bankers.

  2. People Power Granny is already disappointed with Barack Obama’s position of promising to not negotiate with Hamas in the Middle East, if he is elected president. Do you think that Hamas should be negotiated with, as former President Carter has done? Vote in my poll at my blog so I know what you think.

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