Hague's criticism of Israel enrages leading Tory donor

Guardian ^ | 8/2/06 | Willy Woodward

[pissant]

One of the Conservative party's leading donors yesterday accused William Hague, the shadow foreign secretary, of behaving like an "ignorant armchair critic" in criticising the Israeli attack on Lebanon. Lord Kalms, a former party treasurer who has given more than £500,000 to the Tories since 2001, condemned Mr Hague's use of the word "disproportionate" in describing the Israeli action.

In a letter to the Spectator, Lord Kalms, former head of Dixons, said Mr Hague's "usual good sense has deserted him".

David Cameron, the Tory leader, and Mr Hague believe they have exploited divisions inside the government by being prepared, unlike Tony Blair, to use the word "disproportionate". Last month Mr Hague stoked frustration among Labour MPs over Mr Blair's reluctance to criticise Israel by telling the Commons: "I think we can say that elements of the Israeli response are disproportionate, including attacks on Lebanese army units, the loss of civilian life and essential infrastructure and such enormous damage to the capacity of the Lebanese government."

But Lord Kalms urged him: "Think again, William, for whom you speak. How do you deal with the Hizbullah leader, Nasrallah, who is committed to Israel's total destruction ... and who rains thousands of rockets on Israel, keeping the population in shelters, devastating industry, kidnapping and killing Israeli soldiers within Israeli territory?"

[pissant]

What the hell is wrong with the Tory party in jolly olde England?

First they bitch and moan about Iraq, now their leader criticises Blair Israel. Maggie Thatcher must be disgusted with the weenies that followed her.

[EternalHope]

The Tories in Great Britain seem to be useless.

No wonder they are out of power. They've completely abandoned the principles of Margaret Thatcher.

[pissant]

Every Tory needs to read and re-read this book.

And if they do not agree with the contents, then join the Labour or the Libs instead of polluting the Tories.

[pissant]

What's going on over there?

[goldstategop]

The Tories have demonstrated why they're irrelevant. Sounding like Pat Buchanan's paleo-cons isn't going to return them to power in the UK in the foreseeable future.

(Go Israel, Go! Slap 'Em Down Hezbullies.)

[pissant]

You would think the dumbsh*ts would learn how to win by being bold like Bush, Howard and now Harper. Instead the snivel in the corner. Pathetic.

[DoughtyOne]

I have no idea what they think they'll gain by turning their back on Israel and the world's Jews. I don't like what I'm seeing out of Europe these days. Many of those folk's souls seem to be a lost cause.

[editor-surveyor]

What's new? Europe has been sick for centuries.

[DoughtyOne]

True enough.

[GeronL]

I like reading Theodore Dalrymple's articles over at City Journal and its amazing what goes on over there.

[lesser_satan]

Dalrymple is brilliant. Prager has him on a lot and he's one of my favorite guests.

[GeronL]

Prager used to be on at the same time as Rush... darn hard to turn off Rush though *sigh*

[DoughtyOne]

Thanks for the mention. I'll check it out.