The question is whether the Khalidi flap will lead to a larger discussion of Palestinian human rights. I think it will, inevitably. But for the meantime we get this kind of judicious tweezerish on the one hand beancounterish stuff from the Washington Post where they "clear" Khalidi and Obama, saying it's "guilt by association gone haywire."
in Chicago in 2003 prior to his departure for New York that was
attended by Obama. As described by the Times, the event included the
recitation of a poem by a young Palestinian American accusing the
Israeli government of terrorism in its treatment of Palestinians.
But wait, where's the guilt? Why isn't someone allowed to make such a charge? "Targeted" assassination, confiscation of land, the shooting of demonstrators, collective punishment, etc. Jimmy Carter calls this "state-sponsored terrorism," and I agree. I'm voting for Obama. But we charge Palestinians qua Palestinians all the time with terrorism. And Israelis are pure as the driven slush, as Tallulah Bankhead used to say. Uh oh, another dated aphorism.
Phil,
Your flap (of hoping that Jews don't vote for Obama) is disgraceful.
It would be wonderful for you to comment, to clarify what you mean, if what you said differed.
You accurately state that the invocation by McCain and Palin and their "idiot winds", are examples of racism instead of inquiry.
A bad basis of politics, which should be a discussion of the greatest net good, not a blame game invocation of fears and enemies.