Posted on 07/27/2002 9:30:20 AM PDT by RobFromGa
Israeli lobby sends wake-up call
Alabama race may come to haunt McKinney
Melanie Eversley - Staff
Friday, July 26, 2002
Washington --- If a recent election upset in next-door Alabama is any indication, Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-Ga.) could be in for some cash-rich opposition from pro-Israel campaign contributors.
Some political strategists are predicting that the pro-Israel forces that bolstered the successful congressional campaign of Democrat Artur Davis in Birmingham could steer money to Denise Majette, McKinney's opponent in the Aug. 20 Democratic primary. Those strategists point to similarities in the two races.
Both McKinney and U.S. Rep. Earl Hilliard (D-Ala.) have angered the Jewish community with actions and congressional votes. Hilliard, a five-term House member, raised eyebrows when he traveled to Libya in 1997 and when he voted against a measure to condemn Palestinian suicide bombings.
Whether those actions were a factor, the pro-Israel lobby poured money into Davis' campaign, and Hilliard lost his June 25 Democratic primary runoff. Without Republican opposition, Davis is heavily favored over a Libertarian candidate in the fall.
"There's no question that groups and individuals concerned about Israel took an interest in the Alabama race," said Tom Mann of the Brookings Institution, a nonpartisan Washington think tank. "It's conceivable that they would do so in Cynthia McKinney's case, given her outspoken criticism of Israel."
Despite such comparisons, other people think the McKinney-Majette race will come down not to money but to voters and turnout.
Among the more than 30 pro-Israel political action committees registered with the Federal Election Commission, Artur Davis has been the biggest recipient of campaign cash in 2002. Davis took in $41,300 from those organizations during the first half of the year, according to an AJC study of federal records.
Majette was much further down that list, with only $2,250 in donations from those groups, based on the AJC study.
"I think ultimately it's going to be the voters in her district who decide," said Steven Wertheim of Sandy Springs, a Jewish man who is volunteering with the Majette campaign.
"Cynthia McKinney has been a poor representative for her constituents, and she's been divisive for her community," Wertheim said.
The Atlanta Jewish Federation does not take sides in political contests, but one representative of the group has noted the tension within the Jewish community. Federation community relations director Margo Dix said that, in large part, Jewish constituents have noted that McKinney has not voted to approve aid for Israel,
On the other hand, people in her district give her high marks for responding to her constituents directly.
One community advocate recalled how proud many Georgians were when McKinney won the seat representing the majority African-American district in 1992.
"One of the things that people in Cobb County were involved in from the very beginning was seeing Cynthia get that seat," said Deane Donner, president of the Cobb County NAACP chapter.
"Whatever people think, I think she's an effective congresswoman," Donner said.
Still, McKinney has had a strained relationship with the Jewish community. In 1996, her father, Democratic state Rep. Billy McKinney, made a remark that members of the Jewish community found offensive. McKinney stressed that she did not share her father's views and removed him from the campaign, but the tension from that incident lingered.
She has encouraged the public to look at both sides of the Palestinian-Jewish conflict and she shares a good relationship with the Arab-American community, sometimes speaking at functions hosted by Arab-American advocacy organizations. That stance has offended the Jewish community.
Most recently, in October, McKinney drew criticism after writing a letter of apology to a Saudi prince, whose offer of $10 million to help the survivors of the terrorist attacks was rebuffed by then-New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.
Still, McKinney's actions might not draw the same dollars to her opponent as did Hilliard's.
Charles Bullock, a political scientist at the University of Georgia, said if any financial patterns were going to show up involving the pro-Israel lobby and Majette's campaign, they probably would have done so by now, with the primary less than a month away. "If it's going to happen, they're going to need to get the money into her hands pretty quickly," he said.
Moreover, Majette's press secretary pointed out that the two races have as many differences as similarities.
Majette, a former State Court judge in DeKalb County, has been an elected public official, while Davis, a lawyer, never has held public office, said press secretary Elizabeth Wilson. About 60 percent of Davis' contributions of more than $200 came from out of state, according to FEC reports, while more than 90 percent of Majette's contributions have come from within Georgia, Wilson said.
One other factor is that redistricting in Alabama reduced Hilliard's African-American voting age population from 70 percent to 62 percent, an issue in that race because Davis was more successful in attracting white voters. But in Georgia, African-Americans were added to McKinney's district, giving her a 51 percent African-American voting age population. Bullock said he thinks that change will help the incumbent.
Neither McKinney nor her campaign manager could be reached Thursday for comment.
Until now, fellow Democrats have shied away from challenging McKinney, Bullock pointed out. Now, she is facing an opponent who is a fellow Democrat, woman and African-American, he said.
Bullock said, "This is the first time McKinney has been hard-pressed by somebody in the Democratic Party."
CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION CLOUT
Top candidate recipients of campaign money from the pro-Israel lobby, Jan. 1-June 30:
1. Artur Davis (D-Ala.), House nominee................ $41,300
2. Sen. Bob Smith (R-N.H.)............................ $37,180
3. Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.).......................... $35,500
4. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).......................... $28,500
5. Sen. Jean Carnahan (D-Mo.)..........................$25,000
6. Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.)............................$18,030
7. Sen. Bob Torricelli (D-N.J.)........................$17,400
8. Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.).......................... $14,000
9. Rep. Steven Rothman (D-N.J.)........................$13,500
10. Sen. Max Cleland (D-Ga.).......................... $13,000
63. Denise Majette (D-Ga.), House primary challenger....$2,250
Sources: Staff research by Melanie Eversley, Federal Election Commission
Are you bright enough to know that almost all Jews who are U.S. citizens have no intention of exercising that dual citizenship thing and are just fine with U.S. citizenship?
Or do you know that and just use that as shield from behind which you can attack Jews and pretend that nobody will realize that you're an anti-semite?
You are confident enough of your position to say nothing but to post a picture everyone here has seen a hundred times. Back it up...tell us all how my analysis of the situation is incorrect.
A few hundred more sources are here if you need more information to reinforce whatever you were trying to say by posting a childish graphic.
A decent overview of the Israeli end of the business is here
Dennisw. . . DeBeers has a very good intelligence gathering operation. Tempelsman cut his teeth working for it in the 1950s. But you knew that.
If you want on (or off) of my black conservative ping list, please let me know via FREEPmail. (And no, you don't have to be black to be on the list!)
Extra warning: this is a high-volume ping list.
Sounds right. Almost every member of the Caucus supported McKinney against the DLC/Tempelsman crowd. They can't take all of them out. Democrats are also, quietly, after the Muslim vote. Having too high profile a campaign against McKinney is not in the party's interest.
Definition number 1 is the definition I think of when someone uses the word "cult." I do not think of Judaism as a "cult" according to this definition. Definition #2 seems to be the definition you are using. Of course, by that definition, any sect of Christianity would also be a cult.
Dennisw. . . DeBeers has a very good intelligence gathering operation. Tempelsman cut his teeth working for it in the 1950s. But you knew that.
I don't know that 'cause I don't have my face buried in conspiracy websites like you do.
Gathering normal business information is spying when a Jew is involved. This is what you are saying to me. If you want to give me any further info on T then go right ahead.
Looks to me that you are peeved at successful business run by people you believe are Jews..... The Oppenheimers converted a few generations back. To Protestantism. Looks like the Oppenheimers treated Black workers very well during apartheid despite your efforts to slime them as exploiting Blacks
Harry Oppenheimer, 1908-2000
Billionaire South African tycoon and philanthropist Harry Oppenheimer, who used his clout as head of the Anglo-De Beers diamond and mining empire to oppose apartheid in his homeland, died August 19th 2000 at Kenridge Hospital in Johannesburg. Oppenheimer, who believed industrialization and economic growth was key in destroying apartheid and had founded as well as funded programs to assist Black South Africans, was 91 years old.
Born Harry Frederick Oppenheimer on October 28th, 1908 in Kimberly, South Africa, Harry Oppenheimer (or HFO as he was known at his corporate headquarters) was groomed from an early age to succeed his father Sir Ernest Oppenheimer as head of the family business. Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, a German Jew who arrived in South Africa in 1902 via England had been the son of a cigar maker. In 1917 Sir Ernest founded the Anglo American Corporation of South Africa, later adding De Beers and effectively ruling the world commerce in diamonds and minerals both precious and strategic. The conglomerate mined and trafficked dominant shares of gold and platinum as well as uranium, vanadium and copper, all used in various forms of military weaponry. Sir Ernest was a revered role model to his son, Harry, and when he converted in the early 1930s to the Anglican Church, Harry Oppenheimer followed suit.
As successor to the Oppenheimer empire, Harry was educated in England, at prestigious institutions like the Charterhouse private academy and took his degree at Christ Church, Oxford, where he studied politics and philosophy. Oppenheimer was also a private student of British economist Sir Roy Harrod. With his education completed, Oppenheimer returned to South Africa and began a lengthy apprenticeship in his father's conglomerate, first under Sir Ernest and later as a second-in-command. Oppenheimer interrupted his industrial career during World War II as a voluntary member of South Africa's Army, serving as an intelligence officer for an armored car detachment in both South Africa and the northern countries of the continent. While serving in the army, Oppenheimer wed Bridget McCall, a marriage that would last his entire life.
Oppenheimer returned from World War II and was elected to South African Parliament in 1948 as a member of the minority white liberal opposition, lending his considerable financial and high profile support to anti-apartheid stances. Oppenheimer's first term in Parliament coincided with the takeover of the National Party, which introduced apartheid and controlled South African policies for some 40 years. Of his struggles with his nation's policies, Oppenheimer said in later years he felt he "was able to achieve virtually nothing except to keep what (he) considered a voice of common sense and humanity alive".
Despite sacrificing his seat in Parliament in 1957 with the death of his father and the onset of duties as head of Anglo-De Beers, Oppenheimer broke much ground in the movement to abolish the barriers created by apartheid practices. Heading Anglo-American Corp from 1957-1982 and De Beers Consolidated Mines from 1957-1984, Oppenheimer created thousands of jobs for South Africans and migrants from neighboring nations- both black and white. Expanding and diversifying from diamonds and metals to fuel mining (coal and uranium) to pulp and paper, real estate, banking, and transportation, the Oppenheimer empire grew and reached into the Yukon and Malaysia but continually reinvested in ventures in South Africa, bolstering the nation's economy, which Oppenheimer believed would enhance the demand for well educated and skilled black workers, eating away at apartheid practices. Oppenheimer remained a strong voice against apartheid, frequently finding himself discriminated against by pro-apartheid interests in government and business, while his international image was also subject to persecution by ill-informed anti-apartheid interests who only saw a successful, white, male South African business tycoon and lumped the philanthropist in with the racially biased Afrikaner Whites.
Oppenheimer was modest about his philanthropic activities, but was a leader in establishing housing for his black employees, and developed educational and training programs to help them move into higher paying skilled jobs and positions of responsibility. Oppenheimer supported Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, numerous hospitals and educational programs, especially for black South Africans. Oppenheimer's particular pet project was the Urban Foundation, which was dedicated to improving living and educational environments for urban black South Africans.
Oppenheimer retired from his corporate duties in the early 1980s, turning the reigns over to his son Nicholas and devoting himself to his charities, politics and leisure pursuits. Oppenheimer was an avid art collector, his homes in Johannesburg and Durban housing an assortment of great impressionist works, and he was particularly fond of a Renoir he had found while a college student for a mere $60.00. Oppenheimer was a skilled cultivator of orchids, collected manuscripts, and kept a private animal preserve and stable, and lovingly humored his wife Bridget's mania for following horse racing at Durban.
Oppenheimer gracefully bore the snubs and public attacks from both heads of state in his homeland as well as fellow businessmen and Afrikaner commoners for his anti-apartheid politics, and continued to lend his moral and financial support to liberal and reformist activities. Harry Oppenheimer was admitted to Kenridge Hospital the evening of August 18th with complaints of abdominal pain and headache and died early on the 19th of August 2000. The cause of death was not determined. Oppenheimer reportedly left behind an estate of over $2.5 billion. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Bridget McCall Oppenheimer, his son Nicholas, and daughter Mary as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
I could care less
On the Kennedy oil leases in Angola?
The Kennedys are out making money. Helped by their political influence. And this Jewish fellow Templesman helped them get the leases...According to you. The only reason you care is because a Jewish fellow is involved. You don't care about the Kennedy involvement.
Why not provide some information refuting Howard Phillips, The Nation, the Washington Post and a dozen other sources? Is McKinney not trying to clean up the diamond business and,
What utter nonsense. McKinney isn't trying to clean up the diamond business. Where do you dream up this nonsense? She is merely trying to get the people she likes a bigger cut of it. Jesse Jackson style. It's a turf battle and naturally you take the side of those who up against DeBeers who you think is a "Jewish" company. You are so transparent. LOL!
in doing so, going against some heavy hitters in the party?
You must be McKinney's biggest fan at FreeRepublic. Why don't you stop yapping and go send her big fat donation?
cult n.
1a) A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.
1b)The followers of such a religion or sect.
2)A system or community of religious worship and ritual.
3)The formal means of expressing religious reverence; religious ceremony and ritual.
4)A usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease.
5a)Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing.
5b)The object of such devotion.
6)An exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest.
After you get through looking this over, why don't you look up the definition of "civility"? You could benefit from acquiring a little of it.
Now, don't you have a David Duke meeting to attend?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.