'Berman Brief' to Democrats is 'Politics Over Policy'

As a strategy to woo back Jewish contributors and voters to the Democratic Party, Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA), Chairman of the House’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has made the case to his fellow Democrats that they must present facts, prior to the mid-term elections, that things are much better for Israel under the Obama administration and the Democratic Congress than any other administration. In a July 25th email memo, Rep. Berman offered talking points to his fellow Democratic Party members in the U.S. House of Representatives outlining how this administration has proven unprecedented support for Israel. The short email briefing from Rep. Berman read as follows:

“Please find the attached document which outlines President Obama and the House Democratic Caucus’ unprecedented support for the State of Israel.  I think you will find it useful to make the case that House Democrats and the President are as good if not better than any Congress or Administration that has come before.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me or the staff of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Sincerely,

Rep. Howard Berman

Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs”

Rep. Berman’s attached document contained 22 talking points that included: Palestinians must recognize the Jewish state of Israel, Obama’s prioritization of the Iranian nuclear danger, Obama’s military and financial commitment to Israel, and a list of the bills and resolutions regarding Israel that passed in the House since October 2009.  (Link: bibireport.blogspot.com/2010/07/howard-berman-chairman-of-houses.html)

The “unbreakable” relationship that has existed between Israel and the U.S. has recently been in doubt by both Israelis and Americans. In fact, to some it has been of serious concern and the question whether Obama is really a friend of Israel has been asked in the Jewish Community. With the mid-term elections a little over three months away, leading Conservatives are drawing attention to this in their attempt to have a confrontational campaign and to link Democratic candidates to Obama, whose favorable poll numbers are diminishing along with Congress’s approval rating. It is obvious why Congressman Berman sent out this memo.  In light of today’s political environment, voters are suspicious of Obama for his Mideast policy and ‘Berman’s Brief’ is a timely strategy for the Democrats.

One has to acknowledge that Rep. Berman has to be hoping that a rigorous public debate will ensue over his memo, and he would be correct in planning on it. In fact, the debate has already begun as to who is a better friend to Israel, Democrats or Republicans. (Link: cgis.jpost.com/Blogs/rosner/entry/what_s_missing_from_berman) But, this is a debate that no one should be drawn in to, especially Republicans. The US support for Israel must not be made into any more of a divisive issue than it already is. The settlements in Gaza, the religious and biblical sites, the construction in Jerusalem, the rocket firing into Israel and the retaliation back into Gaza, the blockade of the Gaza Port, the checkpoints at border crossings, the Mavi Maramar flotilla investigation, The Goldstone Report, are just some of the polarizing Israeli issues many Americans have debated. Making this a competition as to who supports Israel more or better, is not constructive in the interest of our National Security or Israel’s. It is putting ‘politics before policy.’ What is important is how America supports Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish State, what actions America will support when Israel is faced with hostile and destructive threats, and what Israeli concessions America will support in the name of peace.

The ‘Berman Brief’ appears to be a smoke screen to get the voters to focus on the past and not have the more important discussion about the future of Israel and the Middle East. Judging and comparing the past Presidents’ relationship with Israel to the present administration is playing ‘politics over policy.’ Discussing future scenarios with appropriate actions is policy worthy of discussion and comparison. The time is running out for peace in the Middle East and what our administration does in the next few months will be critical. While Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups are forming alliances with the common goal of annihilating the State of Israel, Israel is facing the greatest decision a people can ever face when they are being forced to defend themselves. To kill or be killed.

Politicians and government officials need to recognize the position ‘global politics’ and Muslim hatred of Jews has already put America and Israel in. Instead of the ‘Berman Brief’ the public should demand a list of the ideas and position each candidate will stand for regarding Israel, and the Party’s principles and commitments that candidate is running under. The attention must be on the future, which comes quicker than you think.