Long term subscribers to this blog have noticed a shift toward the center, I still have difficulty saying a shift to the left. Truth be told, both Trump and Netanyahu are to blame for my migration.
As an independent, besides for taking Trump and his unqualified cabinet to task, my shift has been mostly quiet. I have been most audible concerning the 7th Congressional, where I'm supporting Ryan Crosswell. While I won't be casting a primary vote, I'm hoping that he's on the ticket for November.
Up to the aftermath of October 7th (2023), I was a supporter of Netanyahu. With that horrendous October attack the Palestinians undermined most of the support for a two state solution, both in Israel and Washington. I understand that reaction, but cannot accept the domicide in Gaza, and the settler aggression in the West Bank.
A two state solution remains the only long term alternative for the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. I find myself looking for a group to support which still adheres to that principle. Although most have some language still too progressive for my self image, I'll have to hitch a ride on some such bus.
Tomb of Aaron, Jordan
While war rages in Iran and Lebanon, there is no talk of the Palestinian question, the real root of most of these mideast wars. No effort of a solution other than annihilation, in Gaza, the west bank and now Lebanon and even Iran, fully supported by the U.S., both militarily and financially. While most Americans believe the U.S. is loved by the world it is descending into a pariah state.
ReplyDeleteThe loss of goodwill from much of the world is a cost without calculation, but will be very consequential in the future.
MM, you have become a MOR Democrat, admit it or not.
ReplyDeleteanon@8:52: I'd prefer to be called a centrist Republican, but you can call me anything you want, but not on your Trump phone...apparently they were never delivered, despite deposits.
ReplyDeleteThe Arab countries are finished with the Palestinians, HAMAS and the Islamic Jehad of Gaza. The Gulf States are finished with them. Egypt is finished. Jordan? Google Black September. The Palestinians are trouble wherever they go.
ReplyDeleteAs with all the Trump-branded merchandise over the years, please note, The Trump trademark (brand) is known throughout the world. It’s valuable. With few exceptions, the Trump Organization does NOT manufacture, market, or act as seller. The private entities that do those activities actually just paid a fee to use the trademark. Oh, yes, Donald Trump himself divested his complete interest in any of those companies before being elected to his first term!
ReplyDeleteCut me a break! His sons are raking it in for daddy.
DeleteSpecifics with sources, please?
DeleteThanks.
anon@9:13: This post has to do with the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. The Arab countries are concerned with their status and future there.
ReplyDeleteanon@9:28: The Trump family profiteering from this administration is unprecedented.
ReplyDeleteOh please. Nancy Palosi is the most successful investor in Wall Street history? Hunter Biden and “The Big Guy” raked it in. Of course Hunter was (was) an accomplished and quite successful artist. The “Clinton Foundation” took in hundreds of millions. Public service was berry berry good to the Obama who made hundreds of thousands for a lunch keynote and a building a Taj Mahal for a Presidential Library, who doesn’t love the Martha’s Vineyard sea side place? Of course nobody made money from speaking gigs for her Wall Street pals than Hil.
DeleteYour conversation experience may be of some passing interest to longtime readers but let’s focus for the moment on your current political position.
You are now a garden variety lib who repeats all the appropriate talking points.
anon@10:13: What is "garden variety" is your replies. When I used the term "unprecedented", I factored in everyone you mentioned. We have never combined peace and resort real estate deals before.
ReplyDeleteEvery money grubbing President has their own style.
DeleteYou want to focus on Trump. It’s entirely predictable.
I’m a Democrat voter and all of the democrats running for Congress in PA-7 lost my vote when none of them issued a statement against political violence after the most recent presidential assassination attempt a few weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, they seem to have doubled-down on the rhetoric on their websites and mailers that led to that attempt.
I realize that’s a difficult take for many of my fellow democrats to take, but it’s time to repudiate the socialists (and their tactics) that have taken over the party. The only goal of the socialist is power, and to destroy the democracy they lie about wanting to save.
Democrats used to stand for something we could all aspire to, but I don’t hear that coming from Crosswell or any of the other candidates. We’re better than just name-calling and crying about what our political opponents are doing. It’s time to insist that our candidates reflect that.
They have no message except Trump=Bad. No proof, no solutions, and for many of the name-callers, there’s no intellect.
DeleteWhen the Arabs do the "all or nothing" negogiating, that is what they usually get
ReplyDeleteanon@12:27AM: You want specifics, but ask the same question three times anonymously? That is Trump gold plated rich! The sons are getting shares in Gulf State RE deals, with no equity beyond their name. Same with the son-in-law negotiator in Syria.
ReplyDeleteMore wild accusations from someone who has no clue about the longstanding business activities of both Eric Trump and Jared Kushner.
DeleteBusiness dealings in real estate development, construction management, and in investing that have been ongoing for years before Donald Trump ever announced for President. Both of these international executives have concluded deals all around the world ON THEIR OWN initiative before President Trump ever entered political office.
Yes, both gentlemen were raised in wealthy families and had advantages others did not begin with. Neither man, however should be expected to shut down their own business pursuits just because a Trump sits in the White House. That’s an absurd expectation.
anon@4:50: It is not an "absurd" expectation, but rather the minimum required. When your father/ father-in-law controls aid, contracts and sanctions, you refrain from RE deals in those countries. They are blatantly trading on their influence. No reply will be printed.
ReplyDelete