I’m Jewish and have supported Israel all my life. The last few years, though, have really opened my eyes and helped me see what we owe Palestinians. It might be late, but I’m in this fight with you, Waj.
Also, speaking as a Black woman, if the majority of Americans want Israel held to account, but the gerrymandered Congress refuses to do so, then voting for the party that wants to end gerrymandering is probably the way to go. I'm damn sick of (white) people talking like the right vote is something easily won and lightly disposed of. Our experiences are not the same. Some of us had to work for this shit and you're voting for fucking Stein again.
Not choosing is still making a choice. People shouldn't be under any illusions about that. Those who say they can't support Harris-Walz and will either leave the president/vice president slot blank, vote for a third party that has no chance, write in some nonsense candidate, or skip voting altogether, those people are still making a choice in what is a binary and vital election. And they're choosing Trump. Failing to stand up to Trump's authoritarian machine when you have a chance to stop it is choosing Trump.
Right now, we can't know what a President Harris would do when it comes to Israel, once she's not part of someone else's administration but running her own. But we know exactly what Trump will do - the same thing that he'll do for Russia, give them both a free hand to take what they want, do what they want and face no consequences from the U.S. Like it or not, the choice in this and every other election is a binary one. Refusing to make that choice is a choice, and it's a choice for Trump. It's just that simple.
This is a hard choice for many people, and that's valid. So, thank you for being clear-eyed about what's at stake. I hope people will vote their hopes, not their fears.
Thanks for laying it out clearly. I have no illusions about the Democratic party and have plenty of complaints about the Biden administration's policies. I participate in climate protests as well as those supporting Palestinian causes. Never the less, I am voting for Democrats up and down the ballot and participating in postcard writing to encourage others. On every single important issue, a Trump/Vance victory would be catastrophic (for the environment, the climate, Palestinian rights, immigrant rights, LGBTQ rights, labor rights, voting rights, gender equality, education, health care, corporate accountability, etc.) and it is imperative that the Republicans do not get an opportunity to further advance Project 2025 (well underway). Spoiler candidates are betraying our future and need to be called out for their support of the Republican agenda. If people want the chance to vote for dream candidates and have their votes matter, work for rank choice voting, publicly financed elections, to abolish the electoral college. But right now's the time to really fight for the future so we will still have the opportunity to advocate and protest.
Thank you, Waj, for speaking out. It is imperative that people understand the danger that a second term would bring. Much, much worse than the first with no adults in the room to rein him in. All hands on deck to vote blue up and down the ballot. Saving democracy so we can work on making it better.
“Bibi is openly against two states, has expanded settlements in the West Bank, and continues killing civilians despite the Biden Administration’s protests.” - Wajahat Ali
I disagree with this particular, “Biden Administration’s protest” characterization.
However, I cannot say that I disagree with your assessment. I don’t perceive the two major parties to be the same with respect to governance.
Unfortunately, I merely perceive the Democratic Party as serving as enablers to GOP Fascism because Democrats fail to deliver when they have slim majorities coupled with their complete capture by the special interests lobbies.
The complete failures of both the Biden administration and the Harris/Walz campaign to prioritize the Demand of the electorate’s call for an arms embargo and an immediate ceasefire is a strategic blunder that hinders their chances of winning in critical swings states.
“Israel First” is the foreign policy priority of the Harris/Walz campaign that may lead to another Trump Presidency and Democrats will only have themselves to blame.
In the long run, the Justice Dems need to run more candidates in safe House & Senate seats, and at city & state level. As well as better resisting AIPAC-backed (the 'I' in AIPAC is more Irgun than Israel at this point) primary challenges. Voting 3rd-party candidates like Jill Stein or Cornel West is an expression of impotent anger, at least until IRV or STV voting becomes more of a thing in the US.
The Jewish community, many of who will vote D, hold more sway in the American politic than the Muslim community. I mean to insult no one. I believe that this is simple fact. Kamala will try to be an honest broker, a force for good and peace. As you say, we know what the alternative will bring. I know people are angry, and rightly so, but there is only one smart way to go. Waj is correct. Please let your intelligence lead you - and not your anger. Vote for Kamala to be pragmatic and do the most good for the most people. Vote for K.
Choosing the lesser evil - I want to know what guarantee do we have that if Democrats get in power that Kamala would not have the same policies that you believe is exclusive to trump would not happen again? The move of the embassy moving to Jerusalem started having traction among Democrats before Trump implemented. The move to ban immigrants and revoke their student visa or jeopardize their citizenship process is already happening under Biden- Harris administration. The truth is when it comes anything related to the Palestinian Arab community there is strong bipartisan support unlike other issues.
This is intellectually dishonest and I think the real fear is that things may get worse for Muslim and brown people. It's already worse for Palestinian will continue to get worse under both administrations due to its bipartisan support and the large amplification of mainstream media. The real discomfort is that it will get worse for you personally under Trump and your solidarity does not extend this far to encompass this risk. Please be intellectually honest instead of saying you are doing this to support Palestinians. You are doing this for you - that is much more palatable than the arguments you have laid out below which people can see through. Thx
But not greater good for the Palestinian dyspora or for Lebanon or for Syria or for Yemen or for Iran. Not to mention our greater good as the war mongering Dems (and Repugs)bring us closer to nuclear Armageddon.
I beg to differ! I am not a Muslim; however, I am Arab American and of Lebanese descent. I witnessed Sabra Shatila and many massacres by Israel! Anyone who believe Kamala is going to help, is being ridiculously naive! I am a life-long Democrat, who left the Democratic party, and the problem I have with Kamala is not her Mid-East Policy--it is her lies about Gaza and how she feels about Palestinians! I know Democrats want everyone to fall in line with Kamala because it is "Saving Democracy" yet she and the White House are supporting "censorship" sending students back to their countries for demonstrating? How is this not "Free Speech" ? What is wrong with you? I read a really interesting book about Propaganda, and these Public Relations Firm told Israel in 2003 who came to the PR firm for help because Israel was killing too many Palestinians and it was becoming very unpopular, so the Public Relations firm, told them the answer to their public relations problem was to "lie" to the people in all of their media documents and speeches by stating they love Palestinians and they want to help them. He told them the Israelis' and all people who take money from them they must to sound "reasonable" Kamala has stated those exact words, interestingly enough. She is more polite than Trump, I can say that about her. She may be polite, but there is another more insidious problem. So Kamala took 5 million from AIPAC--legal bribery! She did! You obviously must be aware of that! If I had 5 million in one hand and someone was pointing a gun at a child--I would gladly hand that 5 million to save that child's life. She hasn't done a thing to save a child. That is the difference between Kamala Harris and I. I am sincerely hoping all of these people who want to support her, think about what it means to support a person, who has absolutely no interest in our humanity, whatsoever! Because supporting her is like supporting Hitler! It's bad enough to have Netanyahu alive in this world and doing the evil things he is doing with his government, gaining the support of over half of his people! Kamala would have more support if she were not purposefully killing innocent children and families in Gaza and Lebanon! Kamala would have had more support if she had forced Netanyahu to do the right thing! Now she has the perfect excuse--she is not leading, but she could have quit and resigned to get her way! I would have quit as VP.to save a child's life, and she could have saved possibly 180K; its not 41K Dems are trying to abbreviate the numbers! Look at the Gaza Strip! But that is the difference between Kamala Harris and myself! As Arab Americans--we need not fall in line! We need to fight, so we have a place at the table! We need to fight so we are seen, and so we are not invisible to the world!
Historically speaking, people earn a place at the table by always standing up for what they believe but sacrificing at the right moment so they can push forward and win the next campaign. More Democrats then Republicans sympathize with the Palestinian people. When you vote,I hope you'll make this one sacrifice to preserve American democracy and the rule of law so we have the opportunity to improve our country. Please understand Americans were conditioned to resist and fight terrorism and support survivors of the Holocaust because "never again" can we let fascism gain the upper hand and cost hundreds of millions of American lives in a world war. We also hoped to never see another genocide after WWII but there have been several including some in countries dominated by Muslims. I am praying that countries around the world reject hate and pursue the light of living in peace with our neighbors. Together we must find a way to CONTINUE working with others around the world toward this goal.
I am in line with understand the concerns about Trump and the current Republican policies, but the Kamala camp isn't offering a better alternative—just a slightly less harmful one. The Democrats are merely providing minimal concessions to the masses while actively suppressing voices of genuine change. The DNC is working hard to keep figures like Stein and West off the ballots, and the "squad" faced a lack of support in the primaries. The term "greatest good" feels misplaced given the ongoing genocide in Gaza, which the U.S. continues to fund. The priorities remain on protecting the wealthy, downplaying global hotspots, and escalating tensions with Russia and China. Voting for Kamala means more of the same from Biden—better marketing but not real change.
Stein and West represent a vision for the greater good, but they have been sidelined from the outset.
"A Harris-Walz Presidency presents the greatest good for the nation compared to all other options."
It's a moment when intuition is called for indecision making. We have to gamble on the woman who was raised by a loving community activist out to cure cancer, and sees the potential of spreading love, joy, and greater security in the world. She will be tested in her new job as president, and I think we will see her advance the cause of prosecuting war criminals. Her running mate was criticized for leaving his National Guard unit not long before they learned they would ship out fight in Iraq. He felt he could better serve our country and its defense in Congress where laws, policies, and decisions about war and peace are made. I think he is a man of peace, but when push comes to shove, he will be nobody's patsy.
It’s a sad statement on the modern GOP: the party’s racism is so deeply entrenched, so endlessly sprawling, that even artificial intelligence buckles under the task of cataloging it all.
I’m Jewish and have supported Israel all my life. The last few years, though, have really opened my eyes and helped me see what we owe Palestinians. It might be late, but I’m in this fight with you, Waj.
Also, speaking as a Black woman, if the majority of Americans want Israel held to account, but the gerrymandered Congress refuses to do so, then voting for the party that wants to end gerrymandering is probably the way to go. I'm damn sick of (white) people talking like the right vote is something easily won and lightly disposed of. Our experiences are not the same. Some of us had to work for this shit and you're voting for fucking Stein again.
Amen.
Not choosing is still making a choice. People shouldn't be under any illusions about that. Those who say they can't support Harris-Walz and will either leave the president/vice president slot blank, vote for a third party that has no chance, write in some nonsense candidate, or skip voting altogether, those people are still making a choice in what is a binary and vital election. And they're choosing Trump. Failing to stand up to Trump's authoritarian machine when you have a chance to stop it is choosing Trump.
Right now, we can't know what a President Harris would do when it comes to Israel, once she's not part of someone else's administration but running her own. But we know exactly what Trump will do - the same thing that he'll do for Russia, give them both a free hand to take what they want, do what they want and face no consequences from the U.S. Like it or not, the choice in this and every other election is a binary one. Refusing to make that choice is a choice, and it's a choice for Trump. It's just that simple.
This is a hard choice for many people, and that's valid. So, thank you for being clear-eyed about what's at stake. I hope people will vote their hopes, not their fears.
Thank you so much for laying it all out so concisely. A vote for Harris-Walz is a vote to continue the protest and a chance for change.
Thanks for laying it out clearly. I have no illusions about the Democratic party and have plenty of complaints about the Biden administration's policies. I participate in climate protests as well as those supporting Palestinian causes. Never the less, I am voting for Democrats up and down the ballot and participating in postcard writing to encourage others. On every single important issue, a Trump/Vance victory would be catastrophic (for the environment, the climate, Palestinian rights, immigrant rights, LGBTQ rights, labor rights, voting rights, gender equality, education, health care, corporate accountability, etc.) and it is imperative that the Republicans do not get an opportunity to further advance Project 2025 (well underway). Spoiler candidates are betraying our future and need to be called out for their support of the Republican agenda. If people want the chance to vote for dream candidates and have their votes matter, work for rank choice voting, publicly financed elections, to abolish the electoral college. But right now's the time to really fight for the future so we will still have the opportunity to advocate and protest.
Thank you, Waj, for speaking out. It is imperative that people understand the danger that a second term would bring. Much, much worse than the first with no adults in the room to rein him in. All hands on deck to vote blue up and down the ballot. Saving democracy so we can work on making it better.
As soon as we elect Harris, then we can start putting pressure on her administration to stop sending military aid to Israel.
Do we need more Enemies ? I am not a Muslim !
But, I have everyone’s Safety and Welfare in my Mind ….not just IsraHell’s right to Offend and Terrorize the Neighborhood !
“Bibi is openly against two states, has expanded settlements in the West Bank, and continues killing civilians despite the Biden Administration’s protests.” - Wajahat Ali
I disagree with this particular, “Biden Administration’s protest” characterization.
However, I cannot say that I disagree with your assessment. I don’t perceive the two major parties to be the same with respect to governance.
Unfortunately, I merely perceive the Democratic Party as serving as enablers to GOP Fascism because Democrats fail to deliver when they have slim majorities coupled with their complete capture by the special interests lobbies.
The complete failures of both the Biden administration and the Harris/Walz campaign to prioritize the Demand of the electorate’s call for an arms embargo and an immediate ceasefire is a strategic blunder that hinders their chances of winning in critical swings states.
“Israel First” is the foreign policy priority of the Harris/Walz campaign that may lead to another Trump Presidency and Democrats will only have themselves to blame.
Let's not forget, Bibi wants Trump elected and Bibi refused to cooperate with Biden on ceasefire or negotiations.
In the long run, the Justice Dems need to run more candidates in safe House & Senate seats, and at city & state level. As well as better resisting AIPAC-backed (the 'I' in AIPAC is more Irgun than Israel at this point) primary challenges. Voting 3rd-party candidates like Jill Stein or Cornel West is an expression of impotent anger, at least until IRV or STV voting becomes more of a thing in the US.
The Jewish community, many of who will vote D, hold more sway in the American politic than the Muslim community. I mean to insult no one. I believe that this is simple fact. Kamala will try to be an honest broker, a force for good and peace. As you say, we know what the alternative will bring. I know people are angry, and rightly so, but there is only one smart way to go. Waj is correct. Please let your intelligence lead you - and not your anger. Vote for Kamala to be pragmatic and do the most good for the most people. Vote for K.
Choosing the lesser evil - I want to know what guarantee do we have that if Democrats get in power that Kamala would not have the same policies that you believe is exclusive to trump would not happen again? The move of the embassy moving to Jerusalem started having traction among Democrats before Trump implemented. The move to ban immigrants and revoke their student visa or jeopardize their citizenship process is already happening under Biden- Harris administration. The truth is when it comes anything related to the Palestinian Arab community there is strong bipartisan support unlike other issues.
This is intellectually dishonest and I think the real fear is that things may get worse for Muslim and brown people. It's already worse for Palestinian will continue to get worse under both administrations due to its bipartisan support and the large amplification of mainstream media. The real discomfort is that it will get worse for you personally under Trump and your solidarity does not extend this far to encompass this risk. Please be intellectually honest instead of saying you are doing this to support Palestinians. You are doing this for you - that is much more palatable than the arguments you have laid out below which people can see through. Thx
Greater good for Israel maybe!
But not greater good for the Palestinian dyspora or for Lebanon or for Syria or for Yemen or for Iran. Not to mention our greater good as the war mongering Dems (and Repugs)bring us closer to nuclear Armageddon.
Think....People
Think...Planet
Think....Peace
If you think 'for the greater good'
Yes to uplifting people, the planet, and peace for the greater good.
I beg to differ! I am not a Muslim; however, I am Arab American and of Lebanese descent. I witnessed Sabra Shatila and many massacres by Israel! Anyone who believe Kamala is going to help, is being ridiculously naive! I am a life-long Democrat, who left the Democratic party, and the problem I have with Kamala is not her Mid-East Policy--it is her lies about Gaza and how she feels about Palestinians! I know Democrats want everyone to fall in line with Kamala because it is "Saving Democracy" yet she and the White House are supporting "censorship" sending students back to their countries for demonstrating? How is this not "Free Speech" ? What is wrong with you? I read a really interesting book about Propaganda, and these Public Relations Firm told Israel in 2003 who came to the PR firm for help because Israel was killing too many Palestinians and it was becoming very unpopular, so the Public Relations firm, told them the answer to their public relations problem was to "lie" to the people in all of their media documents and speeches by stating they love Palestinians and they want to help them. He told them the Israelis' and all people who take money from them they must to sound "reasonable" Kamala has stated those exact words, interestingly enough. She is more polite than Trump, I can say that about her. She may be polite, but there is another more insidious problem. So Kamala took 5 million from AIPAC--legal bribery! She did! You obviously must be aware of that! If I had 5 million in one hand and someone was pointing a gun at a child--I would gladly hand that 5 million to save that child's life. She hasn't done a thing to save a child. That is the difference between Kamala Harris and I. I am sincerely hoping all of these people who want to support her, think about what it means to support a person, who has absolutely no interest in our humanity, whatsoever! Because supporting her is like supporting Hitler! It's bad enough to have Netanyahu alive in this world and doing the evil things he is doing with his government, gaining the support of over half of his people! Kamala would have more support if she were not purposefully killing innocent children and families in Gaza and Lebanon! Kamala would have had more support if she had forced Netanyahu to do the right thing! Now she has the perfect excuse--she is not leading, but she could have quit and resigned to get her way! I would have quit as VP.to save a child's life, and she could have saved possibly 180K; its not 41K Dems are trying to abbreviate the numbers! Look at the Gaza Strip! But that is the difference between Kamala Harris and myself! As Arab Americans--we need not fall in line! We need to fight, so we have a place at the table! We need to fight so we are seen, and so we are not invisible to the world!
Historically speaking, people earn a place at the table by always standing up for what they believe but sacrificing at the right moment so they can push forward and win the next campaign. More Democrats then Republicans sympathize with the Palestinian people. When you vote,I hope you'll make this one sacrifice to preserve American democracy and the rule of law so we have the opportunity to improve our country. Please understand Americans were conditioned to resist and fight terrorism and support survivors of the Holocaust because "never again" can we let fascism gain the upper hand and cost hundreds of millions of American lives in a world war. We also hoped to never see another genocide after WWII but there have been several including some in countries dominated by Muslims. I am praying that countries around the world reject hate and pursue the light of living in peace with our neighbors. Together we must find a way to CONTINUE working with others around the world toward this goal.
Wahajat,
I am in line with understand the concerns about Trump and the current Republican policies, but the Kamala camp isn't offering a better alternative—just a slightly less harmful one. The Democrats are merely providing minimal concessions to the masses while actively suppressing voices of genuine change. The DNC is working hard to keep figures like Stein and West off the ballots, and the "squad" faced a lack of support in the primaries. The term "greatest good" feels misplaced given the ongoing genocide in Gaza, which the U.S. continues to fund. The priorities remain on protecting the wealthy, downplaying global hotspots, and escalating tensions with Russia and China. Voting for Kamala means more of the same from Biden—better marketing but not real change.
Stein and West represent a vision for the greater good, but they have been sidelined from the outset.
"A Harris-Walz Presidency presents the greatest good for the nation compared to all other options."
It's a moment when intuition is called for indecision making. We have to gamble on the woman who was raised by a loving community activist out to cure cancer, and sees the potential of spreading love, joy, and greater security in the world. She will be tested in her new job as president, and I think we will see her advance the cause of prosecuting war criminals. Her running mate was criticized for leaving his National Guard unit not long before they learned they would ship out fight in Iraq. He felt he could better serve our country and its defense in Congress where laws, policies, and decisions about war and peace are made. I think he is a man of peace, but when push comes to shove, he will be nobody's patsy.
The GOP’s Racism Broke AI
It’s a sad statement on the modern GOP: the party’s racism is so deeply entrenched, so endlessly sprawling, that even artificial intelligence buckles under the task of cataloging it all.
https://substack.com/home/post/p-150895632?r=4d7sow&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web