Posted on 07/11/2004 1:40:29 PM PDT by SJackson
The hot topic of discussion among Jewish political mavens right now is the Democratic primary contest in the Fourth Congressional District in Georgia, where former Rep. Cynthia McKinney is seeking to recapture the congressional seat she lost two years ago. McKinney, a five-term House veteran, had developed a national reputation as a defender of Palestinian rights and a critic of the administration's war on terrorism. Her record helped unleash a flood of support for her opponent, Denise Majette, who emerged victorious in a primary that was widely seen as driven by Jewish campaign money. Now Majette wants to move on up to the Senate, and McKinney has reemerged as the lead candidate for her old seat. Unless a surprise emerges, only a repeat of the nationwide stop-McKinney mobilization in 2002 will keep her out.
That would be a mistake. A national anti-McKinney mobilization, particularly one seen as mounted by Jews to defend Israel, would cause a backlash of serious proportions. The last time she was defeated, the mobilization of Jewish political and financial clout to block an outspoken black politician gave rise to a wave of trash-talk from the left about Jews manipulating the political system for Israel's benefit. It would only be worse the next time.
The complaint, it must be noted, was largely unfair. Much of the opposition to McKinney came from political moderates and conservatives still grieving over the September 11 attacks a year earlier and angered by the congresswoman's contrarian views. Pro-Israel activists were only part of that coalition.
Moreover, there's something offensive in the very notion that Jewish citizens fighting for their favorite causes is somehow wrong. American Jews feel a deep commitment to Israel's safety, and they need not apologize for that.
In politics, however, right and wrong are only half of the calculus. The other half is what's smart. The current reality is that anti-Jewish conspiracy theories have become part of mainstream political discourse here and around the world in a way that could not have been imagined five years ago. The quagmire in Iraq and the continuing Israeli-Palestinian confrontation have combined to create an incendiary atmosphere in which simple advocacy of Israel's cause seems suspect in many mainstream circles.
Acknowledging that reality does not make it right or moral. But ignoring reality is an invitation to disaster. And there's nothing noble or moral about courting disaster.
The demonization of Israel by its enemies has created a distorted political atmosphere in which defending an embattled Middle Eastern democracy appears to much of the public to be less legitimate than coddling dictators and fanatics.
Regrettably, Jewish conservatives and hawks have played into that debased discourse, basing many of their political choices first and foremost on Israel's needs and then attacking anyone who notices that fact. It's a dangerous short-sightedness masquerading as hard-headed realism.
In politics as in war, it's smart to pick one's fights carefully, examine the battlefield and plan two moves ahead, with one eye always peeled for the consequences.
Even if the prospect of McKinney's re-election does represent a significant threat to Jewish or Israeli political interests — and we doubt it does — the benefit of fighting it would not justify the long-term damage.
brain-dead, race-baiting, anti-semitic bigot
Sounds like a female version of a "good ol boy" from days of yore.
It's a protected minority house seat. The only contest is in the primary.
I would like to point out to all you Jews out there that very often Israel and The United States of America have common inerests. Without a doubt, denying McKinney any sort of victory of political office is one of those common interests. Those persons that are anti-Semitic will bring scurrilous charges and attempt to smear and intimidate Jews no matter how accomodating you are. Stick it to them before they can stick it to you (again).
Did someone say Commie?? Here's an excerpt from an article posted on the CPUSA website where C. McKinney is a fav.
Report to National Board on Cynthia McKinney Defeat
Archive Analysis
Author: Joelle Fishman, Chair, Political Action Committee, CPUSA
First published 13.01.2003 11:02 by {article_topic_desc}
Introduction
The details of the defeat of Cynthia McKinney in Georgia's 4th Congressional District primary and Earl Hilliard in Alabama's 7th Congressional District primary should serve to sound an alarm about the assault being carried out by the right-wing in particular against the Black vote, and overall to weaken, split and destroy progressive representation.
The situation was not confined to Georgia in this election cycle.
In Florida's primary for Governor large-scale confusion was created, targeting many Black voting districts. Republican ballots were given to Democrats in the heart of the Black community. "It makes me feel that this is intentional. I'm enraged," responded Congresswoman Corinne Brown of Jacksonville. Despite everything, progressive labor leader Tony Hill won his primary for State Senate in Jacksonville by a two to one margin, based on a broad, united grass-roots campaign.
Here's the link: http://www.cpusa.org/article/articleview/514/1/8/
That's right, and but for an accident of birth she could have been a Kleagle like Senator Byrd (D) back in his White Sales days.
I work with a couple of young lefties. On the day after the 02 election I was waiting for them to show up, told them "You realise I plan on be insufferably smug for several days?"
Don't really recall but I believe he was reprimanded and apologized. It was all over the paper in Atl. Good thing he did'nt push too far. My friend is of Serbian descent.
Well, there are four viable 'Rats running against McKinney in the primary. One is state Senator Nadine Thomas, a former McKinney ally who dropped out of the U.S. Senate race after Denise Majette entered it. Another is Atlanta City Councilwoman Cathy Woolard, who would be the second open lesbian to be elected to Congress. Another is state Senator Liane Levetan, whom I believe is Jewish. The fourth is state Senator Connie Stokes, whom I know nothing about.
Is the writer of this piece known as Alexander Portnoy? The old "what will the goym think" scared little boy afraid to stand up for himself. If a White racist was running for office, would Blacks hesitate to stand up against him for fear of offending Whites.
I think Conservatives should avoid the enjoyment of seeing liberals represented by freaks. There are several reasons for this. We should have good liberal alternatives to conservatives to improve the quality of conservatives and to provide a reasonable alternative when conservatives are dishonest or fail to represent what we want. The more compelling reason is that sometimes liberals do take control of the political system and then these freaks will be in positions of real power.
OK, but for a big chunk of the local electorate, there's no reason not to vote for her there.
The irony of this is that it's a primary, where DEMORCRATIC voters get to choose between a DEMOCRATIC race-baiting, anti-semitic bigoted black woman and just a plain DEMOCRATIC black woman.
And these morons can't figure out who to support in a PRIMARY
Sorry for yelling, but this is laughable.
You're so right, she was building seniority.
The lesser of the evils? Vote in the devil you know? Just lay there and try to enjoy it?
Geez... This is a good example of why the Jews in Germany walked into the gas chambers in a nice, orderly fasion.
Mark
All it takes for evil to succeed is for good men and women to do nothing. Kerry OUT, McKinney OUT, Saddam OUT...that's just a start.
"I will certainly contribute to anyone running against her."
Same here!
bttt
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