Let me propose a theory about Mr. Westen and other supposed Liberals [aka FDL etc.] who are soooo disenchanted with President Obama. But, I must preface it by saying this. I was raised to have a virtual bloodlust against the likes of Hitler and his regime and I support Israel with my dying breath. But that doesn't mean I support the Likud party's hawkishness and militarism.
When I read these hateful diatribes about the president from 'Liberal intellectuals' like Westen, I can't help but think...What is their real agenda? Something is missing here, from a Liberal argument condemning the most Liberal president since Jimmy Carter. Could it be that some social liberals, like Westen, are driven more by some singular issue than the totality of Liberal minded politics? How could a Liberal like Jane Hamsher have joined forces with the likes of Grover Nordquist and how could Westen seem to prefer a Republican over President Obama?
This Westin quote from last year addressing the Israeli-Palestinian standoff and PBO's reaction gives a clue, that while Westin may be a 'social liberal' that may not be his driving force...
May. 24, 2011-Westin-"To inject himself [President Obama] into the conflict at long last with a public speech
with a very controversial statement that didn’t mention the history of
why those borders changed (Israel was attacked by all its neighboring
states) rather than negotiating privately was reckless and unnecessary,
and reminiscent of the kind of lecturing and unilateral statements the
world saw from an American president for eight years under Bush. The
only thing he succeeded in doing was to give Democrats trouble in
Florida, where his statement will be played repeatedly in campaign ads." Link: http://www.politico.com/arena/...
Ok. So Mr. Westin is, not only to the RIGHT of the United Nations on this issue, but he is also to the RIGHT of George W. Bush on Middle East policy? He sounds like Netanyahu! No, he sounds like William Kristol! No, he sounds like a stereotypical neocon.
Let me reaffirm, I want Israel to stand forever, in peace and I truly am as sure as I can be that a less hawkish strategy is in Israel's best interest. I only wish that Mr. Westin would be an honest man and not condemn a very good president based on a hidden and misguided agenda.
That's the best I can make of it.
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