Muslim Congresswoman forced to apologise

Ms. Ilhan Omar, the newly elected Democrat Congresswoman from Minnesota, made the gravest error a politician in the US can make: she pointed out to the fact that pro-Israel lobby money is behind US politicians’ unquestioning support of Israel.

She soon enough got her first lesson in how American democracy functions.  She was hit by a shitstorm, in which even her own party deserted her and forced her to apologise.

Omar apologised, yet cleverly added “At the same time, I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, whether it be AIPAC, the NRA or the fossil fuel industry.” 

AIPAC probably did not even have to work hard to enforce Ms. Omar’s apology. Her “colleagues”, who are all drip funded – some more, some very much more – by a variety of lobbies, do not want this funding shindig to be scrutinised, or god-forbid, to ever end.  

Is it permitted to say that the NRA gun-lobby buys influence with money, but prohibited to say the same thing about AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby – just because of the anti-Semitic trope about Jews and money? So, what can one say about AIPAC? Preferably nothing, must be the answer.

I have no idea whether Ms. Omar is an anti-Semite or not but calling out AIPAC and pointing to their influence is not anti-Semitic. Forcing Omar to apologise is dishonest and shameful.

Israel accuses Ireland of Antisemitism

The Irish parliament is passing legislation that would ban Israeli goods produced in the Occupied Territories.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called the Irish ambassador for a “reprimand” and has stated 

“At the meeting it was made clear to the ambassador that the hypocritical and anti-Semitic legislation will have severe ramifications on Israel-Ireland relations and Ireland’s standing in the region should the legislation be promoted”. 

Once again, Israel is using its favourite weapon, the accusation of Antisemitism, in its attempts to push back any opposition to its occupation of the West Bank.

Brexit and “Fair Play”

I recently spoke to a friend of mine in the City and asked him about the likelihood of a second referendum on Brexit. He told me that he had voted remain in the referendum in 2016. But he added, that were there to be a second referendum, he would vote to leave. 

His very British explanation was that he considered it undemocratic to vote until the right result is achieved. So fair play was more important than the damage to Britain caused by Brexit. Yes, he said.

Interview for Holocaust Memorial Day

I was interviewed by the German radio station hr-Info for Holocaust Memorial Day.

Here’s a link to the podcast. I can be heard from minute12:12.