ADL has 'serious concerns' whether Ellison can lead DNC

[TuslaUltra]

Interesting article from Politico:

[The] ADL, in a statement from CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, points to Ellison saying in a 2010 speech in reference to Israel that "The United States foreign policy in the Middle East is governed by what is good or bad through a country of 7 million people. A region of 350 million all turns on a country of 7 million. Does that make sense? Is that logic? Right? When the Americans who trace their roots back to those 350 million get involved, everything changes."


"New information recently has come to light that raises serious concerns about whether Rep. Ellison faithfully could represent the Democratic Party’s traditional support for a strong and secure Israel," Greenblatt said in a statement.

Greenblatt went on to say that "Rep. Ellison’s remarks are both deeply disturbing and disqualifying."

I thought for a while it was just a smear campaign against Ellison, but if the ADL, a great anti-racism organization is against this guy, its kind of hard to make him DNC chair if we've attacked Bannon, right? And no, one team having anti-Semites at the top doesn't make it right for another team to.

[guillaumeb]

1. Ellison made the unforgiveable mistake of telling an inconvenient truth.

And he must be punished for that truth telling.

[WhiteTara]

2. Yep. Sometimes discretion

is the better part of valor. Walk softly and carry a big stick. Don't scare the children.

[guillaumeb]

3. And remember where the bribes come from.

Sorry, I meant political donations.

[WhiteTara]

11. Yes. I left out

Follow the Money!

[mythology]

26. To clarify

Are you saying Israel or Jewish people are bribing American politicians? Without some sort of proof and context, that plays into some very bad stereotypes.

[leftynyc]

33. Yes - that's exactly what he

AND other posters are saying. You may as well get used to it.

[leftynyc]

32. Yes - Heaven forbid

Jews do like everyone else and contribute to causes they believe in - causes like shining lights on and trying to stamp out bigotry. I mean HOW DARE THEY???

[guillaumeb]

53. Actually the main topic is people trying to attack Ellsion for daring

to have an opinion about the State of Israel. Not about "Jews" per se, but about a state.

[leftynyc]

56. No - the topic is the ADL

which many seem to be confusing with AIPAC. BOTH happen to be AMERICAN organizations and the ADL says very little about Israel but has been on the front lines in attacking ALL bigotry for decades. So anyone associating the ADL with Israel is either ignorant or a bigot.

[guillaumeb]

58. Does the ADL attack the State of Israel for its treatment of Israeli Arabs, Christians,

and Palestinians? If it does, please enlighten me.

[leftynyc]

60. It's an AMERICAN organization

Just like it doesn't attack Israel, it doesn't attack the Palestinians, the Syrians, the Russians, the Saudi's, the Pakistanis, The Turks, the Egyptians, the Chinese. Are you getting this yet? Or are you going to pretend it's only Israel that has a lacking human rights record?

[guillaumeb]

67. I already mentioned a few of the numerous countries that are massive human rights violators.

But to repeat, China, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Turkey are just a few. And all are US allies of convenience and/or trading partners.

But if the ADL wishes to comment on Ellison's remarks about a foreign country, they are choosing to involve themselves in this attempt at fomenting a controversy. And attempting to frame the debate so it is relevant to question why they are doing this.

[leftynyc]

69. That's not ALL they're objecting to

and you know it. Stop pretending otherwise and stop trying to ignore his past association with a repulsive bigot. Unfortunately for you and others, they are a very well respected organization and they don't owe you a thing.

[guillaumeb]

71. When they attempt to influence US policy and frame what is considered acceptable thought

they owe us all at least the appearance of even handed behavior.

Liberals who are outraged at Ellison's comments but ignore human rights violations committed by the State of Israel seem to me to be guilty of quite selective outrage.

[leftynyc]

73. Spare me the selective outrage

They aren't attempting to influence US policy - they have given their opinion on someone who wants to lead the DNC and Ellison's past association with repulsive bigots is the reason. Maybe you're a fan of farrakah, I have no idea but you're going a long way to ignore his past association with Ellison and try and make this about Israel. Your motives are clear for EVERYONE to see.

[guillaumeb]

75. As are yours. They are obvious from your posts.

The ADL is definitely attempting to influence the political parties that make the policy. Perhaps you do not see that, perhaps you ignore it, perhaps you disagree.

There is a movie called "The Occupation of the American mind". You might be interested in watching it.

[leftynyc]

77. Yawn

I stand with the majority of Americans on this issue. You stand with 17%. You also haven't said dick about his association with that vile farrakhan so I can see where you're coming from. Have a lovely day.

[guillaumeb]

78. You stand with some Americans.

Again, watch the movie and get back to me on your thoughts.

[leftynyc]

79. I stand with the MAJORITY

of Americans which the Pew study makes clear every single year - obviously something you can't face. I have better things to do than watch your propaganda.

[guillaumeb]

82. Must be incredible to "know" what a movie is about so you can dismiss it without

viewing it. Congratulations on your gift.

[leftynyc]

84. Why, thank you

Have a lovely weekend.

[guillaumeb]

85. And you. And remember that Trump only has 49 months left in his reign. eom

[grossproffit]

4. Which "truth" would that be?

[guillaumeb]

5. The truth that Israel is treated far differently than most other violators of human rights.

And obviously not just Israel. Saudi Arabia and China are also afforded this treatment. The US tolerance for abuse of human rights varies with the usefulness of the countries in question.

[grossproffit]

7. Your opinion isn't the truth.

[guillaumeb]

8. Nor is yours.

[WhiteTara]

14. And I have never figured out

the use we have for Israel. They certainly use the hell out of us, but what we get in return seems nebulous at best.

[PCIntern]

36. You obviously have no idea then,

what you're talking about.

[WhiteTara]

62. Please enlighten me. nt

[guillaumeb]

55. Well, we do not really know what their secret services might have done for the US.

But the real point is that because Ellison has dared to have an opinion on Israel that contradicts US political orthodoxy, he is being presumed to be unfit.

[leftynyc]

63. No - it's because he CHOSE

to associate with a repulsive bigot. Perhaps you don't have a problem with the Nation of Islam and it's disgusting leader farrakhan but plenty of actual liberals do.

[guillaumeb]

68. And some actual liberals can overlook the human rights violations committed by the State of Israel.

So what do we conclude from that? That these actual liberals have a quite selective concern for human rights?

[leftynyc]

70. Editing this post

to say I'm tired of wasting my time with you on this. All you want to do is make this about Israel which is a LIE. I'm done with you and this topic.

[guillaumeb]

74. I have as much respect for Judaism as I do for all religions.

Interesting also that you attempt to frame this as a secret anti-Semitic rant on my part. If you can find any comments of mine here that attack Judaism or Jews please feel free to include them if you make your case for me being an anti-Semite. I have frequently commented about the many human rights violations committed by the State of Israel, but that equates only to criticism of the government.

The bottom line is that Ellison does not subscribe to the D.C. orthodoxy when it comes to the special treatment that Israel (and some other US allies) receives. And it is this failure that perhaps causes him to be attacked.

[leftynyc]

76. I can see you wish to ignore

and would like the rest of us to ignore his past association with a repulsive bigot. Not gonna happen. You can try and make this about Israel all you wish - not gonna happen.

[marybourg]

27. You weren't talking about Israel.

You were talking about political donations. That means U.S. citizens. Your posts on this thread are offensive in the extreme and I suggest you delete them.

[Demsrule86]

38. We trade with China who is a horrible human right's violater.

It has always seemed hypocritical to me that we give China most favored nation status ...China who is a huge violator of human rights and of course we beat Cuba up too...I am not saying Israel has acted in a stellar manner but none do in that region...the goal is still to get rid of Israel all these years later. Two sides to every story...and both in my opinion, are wrong.

[JCanete]

81. Well not a whole lot different than we treat ourselves though, so there's that. nt

[guillaumeb]

83. Very true.

So like attracts like? Is Israel a small scale version of the US?

[still_one]

23. Whether it is valid or not the question is as a DNC chair would this create a distraction to do the

job of a DNC chair effectively?

Another question that needs to be asked, should a DNC chair be able to devote full time to being a DNC chair?

[Demsrule86]

39. Not a good idea to put someone in the DNC job who has

angered one of our constituencies...he becomes the story, and we may lose votes...bad idea. And we need someone who is not in the House or Senate...full time also not controversial...we need someone to reach out to the states too...where the battle must be fought to some degree...Ellison is not that guy. We need Dean and the 50 state solution.

[still_one]

48. you just made the point much better than I was trying to do. The DNC chair needs to bring people

together, not become part of another story, and divert from the goal.

I agree with you on Howard Dean. His fifty state strategy has been shown to work.

[guillaumeb]

52. And the question of "creating a distraction" could apply to anyone who has ever made a public

statement on any issue. I would say the distraction is caused by those who try to manufacture a controversy here.

[LanternWaste]

72. I pretend allegations are truths as well.

I pretend allegations are truths as well. I also add the melodrama of a non-existent punishment in place of rational thought. Sometimes, it's the best our bias can create on short notice.

[grossproffit]

6. Anyone who perpetuates propaganda against Jews has no place in a leadership role, yet alone our

party.

[guillaumeb]

9. There is a difference between propaganda and inconvenient truths.

And do not conflate "the Jews" with the Israeli State. One can protest the atrocities of the State of Israel without being accused of being against "the Jews". All of "the Jews" do not live in Israel, and all of "the Jews" do not agree with the State of Israel's actions.

Google Jewish voices for peace for another Jewish viewpoint.

[grossproffit]

12. Did you miss this part? His implying that Jews run our government? That has NO place in our party.

"Additionally, whether intentional or not, his words raise the specter of age-old stereotypes about Jewish control of our government, a poisonous myth that may persist in parts of the world where intolerance thrives, but that has no place in open societies like the U.S. These comments sharply contrast with the Democratic National Committee platform position, which states: “A strong and secure Israel is vital to the United States because we share overarching strategic interests and the common values of democracy, equality, tolerance, and pluralism.”

[WhiteTara]

18. I certainly don't say that our government is run

by Jews, but we do have a fair number of Jewish descent. But they are far out numbered by evangelical xtians.

[grossproffit]

21. That's what this article is about. The "inconvenient truth" that the first poster was referencing.

[WhiteTara]

22. I still think that we are a better

friend than they are.

[Orsino]

57. Ellison didn't say that, either.

The "implication" is an excuse not to examine or rethink lopsided policy.

[WhiteTara]

59. Like why are we so attached to Israel?

I was alive during Golda Meir (sp?) and her fervent plea for help, but why does that mean that we can only be THEIR friend?

[leftynyc]

80. WTF are you talking about?

We give Egypt billions also. We are allied with Jordan and do business with Lebanon when warranted. We wont even get into how much money goes to Saudi Arabia and the rest of the gulf states. Why do so many here want to PRETEND it's only Israel that benefits from the US? It's an ignorant lie.

[Garrett78]

29. He's suggesting that US policy harms the vast majority of people in that region of the world.

Out of deference to Israel for largely religious and economic/selfish reasons. That seems pretty damn accurate.

I think Greenblatt is really reaching to suggest Ellison is implying that the US government is controlled by Jewish people.

[leftynyc]

34. So which countries in the region

do you think should be treated as special allies? Syria is kinda busy right now having a civil war, before that al assad was busy simply being a disgusting dictator? Egypt? They get the exact same amount of money Israel does. Jordan does also get special treatment - maybe because they're considered more of friend of the west? Lebanon? Maybe when they don't let terrorist organizations sit on the borders and kill people. BTW - the treatment of women, minorities and gays in ANY of those countries should make anyone here nauseous.

[guillaumeb]

51. No, I did not see that part, even after rereading the article.

Perhaps you should paste the part where he said "that Jews run our government" so we can all see it.

Actually he said nothing of the kind.

[TuslaUltra]

15. they stand up for many types of people;

Jews, Latinos, African Americans, etc. so they've made their bones.

[DanTex]

13. This has nothing to do with anti-Semitism, and is in no way comparable to Steve Bannon.

We need to get over the thing where anytime anyone voices an opinion about US policy towards Israel they get labeled an anti-Semite.

[TuslaUltra]

16. accusing America's foreign policy of being "controlled" by a much smaller and less wealthier

and less powerful country does not compute. Except to conspiracy theory.

[DanTex]

19. Why did you put the word "controlled" in quotes?

[grossproffit]

17. When someone purposely says that Jews run the government, that is anti-Semitism.

[DanTex]

20. I agree. But I was talking about Keith Ellison's remarks on US policy towards Israel, which have

nothing to do with that.

[Goblinmonger]

64. I agree. THAT person shouldn't run the DNC.

Good thing Ellison never said anything like that.

[Demsrule86]

40. It is comparable to Bannon

And as for rights...women are treated like dirt in the middle east...we need to pick a DNC chair who has none of this baggage...elections will not be won by any argument concerning the Israelis VS the Palestinian conflict...we could lose votes, but we will not gain votes. We need to deal with our issues of trade and fairness...and the resurgence of racism against Jews as well as others in this country.

[DanTex]

43. Give me a break. Ellison made a statement about foreign policy that you disagree with.

Bannon said he didn't want his kids going to school with Jews. There is no comparison whatsoever.

[Demsrule86]

44. Unless the news is not accurate...his statement was very controversial.

[DanTex]

47. Controversial, sure. A lot of statements about Middle East politics are controversial.

That doesn't make it anti-semitic. When Bannon said he doesn't want his kids in school with Jews, that's way beyond "controversial."

And I don't think it accomplishes anything good to draw comparisons between "I think the US is too pro-Israel" and "I don't want my kids around Jews".

Do you actually think Ellison's views on Israel are motivated by prejudice against Jews? I think the chances of that are zero. There are ways to disagree with him without comparing him to Steve Bannon.

[Goblinmonger]

65. Wait. I hope I'm not understanding this.

We shouldn't put Ellison as chair because he is a racist like Bannon (though he said NOTHING like what is being said he said).

But also because we need someone with "none of this (women are treated like dirt in the middle east) baggage." So are you saying that we shouldn't pick Ellison because he is a Muslim with ethnic ties to the middle east? I hope not, but it kind of sounds that way. Help me out.

[tritsofme]

24. I agree 100%. Schumer should rescind his endorsement.

[TuslaUltra]

25. I'd bet his office is getting calls to do so

and I'm gonna do so tomorrow. We don't need a Trump 2020 REAL landslide.

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

28. This is looking like a smear campaign by an islamophobic conspiracy theorist

Named Steven Emerson:

http://theslot.jezebel.com/one-man-trying-to-take-down-dnc-chair-candidate-keith-e-1789577579

Founded in 1995, the non-profit Investigative Project on Terrorism presents itself as “the world’s most comprehensive data center on radical Islamic terrorist groups.” However, its founder, Steve Emerson, has claimed that the Obama administration “extensively collaborates” with the Muslim Brotherhood and has propagated the lie that there are “no-go zones” all over Europe due to Muslim immigration. He is, nevertheless, a regular on Fox News. In January 2015, after saying that, in parts of London, Muslim religious police beat anyoneh not wearing “religious Muslim attire,” British Prime Minister David Cameron described Emerson as “clearly a complete idiot.”

(Emphasis mine)

Here's the SPLC's take on Emerson:

https://www.splcenter.org/20161025/journalists-manual-field-guide-anti-muslim-extremists#emerson

In 1997, Emerson was accused of giving The Associated Press documents he claimed were from the FBI but were really written by him. The Tennessean reported in October 2010 that in 2008, Emerson’s nonprofit Investigative Project on Terrorism “paid $3,390,000 to [Emerson’s for-profit firm] SAE Productions for ‘management services.’ Emerson is SAE’s sole officer.” The paper quoted Ken Berger, president of Charity Navigator, saying, “Basically, you have a nonprofit acting as a front organization, and all that money going to a for-profit,” he said. “It’s wrong. This is off the charts.”

Could Ellison's speech be problematic? Perhaps. But the ADL's falling for a conspiracy theorist's lies in this.

And Schumer's still standing by Ellison:

https://twitter.com/gdebenedetti/status/804460430785650689/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

[Demsrule86]

41. It doesn't matter why Ellison said what he said...he said it.

"Could Ellison's speech be problematic? Perhaps. But the ADL's falling for a conspiracy theorist's lies in this.

And Schumer's still standing by Ellison..."

Sorry the DNC chair tells a story of why we need to elect Democrats...when he/she becomes the story, they can not do the job. Ellison is a bad choice...his words were unwise at the very least. He seems like a good guy, but this is not the job for him.

[jfern]

30. How dare he not be a 100% shill for Israel?

[Demsrule86]

42. The post of DNC Chairman is not a job to

settle the middle east argument...it is to elect Democrats... don't you want to win ever?

[still_one]

49. That point seems to be lost by some here

[jfern]

87. Well, 3rd way failed rather badly on that, so I'll ignore their attacks.

[phleshdef]

31. I like Ellison and I understand his position on Israel. I just don't think he is the man or woman...

...for the job. I'm behind Howard Dean. The job of the chair is to get Democrats elected. Dean knows how to do that and has proved it.

[baldguy]

37. And the RW-generated Ellison hatred keeps on coming.

How long before you promote the idea of rounding up all the Muslims & putting them in camps?

[Demsrule86]

45. A bit over the top and unfair.

Many of us don't think he is the guy for the job...what you suggest hardly follows.

[baldguy]

46. There are many reasons to oppose Ellison that don't involve besmirching his faith.

But that's all the OP and his fellow travelers seem to do.

[leftynyc]

61. Really?

Feel free to point out where ANYONE - the ADL or posters here - is besmriching Islam.

[baldguy]

86. Yes, really.

Don't pretend that this OP or the 89 others trying to make Louis Farrakhan into Ellison's evil twin are anything less than that.

[Gothmog]

50. I have met and like Keith Ellison but I do not support him for DNC chair.

The ADL has some valid concerns. in addition, I do not want anyone associated with Sanders to be DNC chair and I want a full time DNC chair.

[TuslaUltra]

54. well said. He's a poor fit and a distraction

n/t

[Grey Lemercier]

66. Ellison is too controversial, flush his candidacy

we do not need the heat at this disastrous point in Democratic Party history.

[hueymahl]

88. What a BS article and a bs post

You have the gall to call Ellison an anti-Semite. This post deserves a hide.