Pence to Obama: Whose side are you on, anyway?
posted at 12:55 pm on June 10, 2010 by Ed Morrissey
Rep. Mike Pence delivered a strong challenge to Barack Obama on the House floor this morning on his handling of foreign policy, which is especially timely on the day after Obama announced a $400 million aid package for the Palestinians and held a photo session with Mahmoud Abbas — just a few weeks after deliberately refusing to hold one with Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel offered to lift restrictions on spices and snack foods, but the Palestinians want “spare parts and electronics,” which the Israelis might well believe would have less-than-peaceful purposes. Besides, while Hamas continues to use Gaza for a launching pad and refuses to release Gilad Shalit after holding him hostage for four years, is the next move really Israel’s? Pence wonders whether Obama intends to support our ally in the region at all:
“We all grieve the loss of life that occurred last week when a flotilla designed to challenge Israel’s effective blockade of Gaza ended in military confrontation. But Israel has a right to defend itself.
“The history is clear in that region; Gaza is controlled by a terrorist organization known as Hamas. Hamas used Gaza as a launching pad for thousands of rockets that killed innocent civilians in Israel. Israel responded with military force and has instituted a blockade that has saved lives in Gaza and in Israel. And there’s no humanitarian crisis. Ten thousand tons of food and medical supplies are transferred into Gaza every single week.
“Remarkably, yesterday the president said it was time for Israel to sharply limit its effective blockade in Gaza, saying ‘the situation in Gaza is unsustainable.’
“The truth is, Mr. President, your policy in Israel is unsustainable.
“The American people are on the side of Israel and Israel’s right to defend herself.
“Mr. President, whose side are you on?”
Cubachi also notes the lack of context presented in the media these days regarding Israel:
Israel does send tons of aid to Gaza and are falsely painted as spreading hunger and misery to the region which is certainly not the case.
Just look at these pictures and information about what really goes on in Gaza which the media and the left conveniently leave out of their partisan news reports. Does this look like a region in hunger or strife? No.
No one begrudges peaceful people their success. However, Gaza’s de facto government (Hamas) continues to conduct acts of war against Israel. Israel has the right to defend itself, including using a blockade to pressure Gazans into getting rid of the terrorists running the territory. If they want an end to the blockade, then Gazans need to put an end to Hamas’ rule. When that happens, then we can talk Israel into normalizing its relations, but while the rockets fly, Gazans will continue to reap the spoils of a war that Hamas relentlessly wages. And we should not be asking Israel to weaken its defenses simply because of a PR stunt funded in part by the same enemy we’re fighting in Afghanistan through their front group IHH.
Update: Bruce Kesler compares economic models.
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–Do you know how much of the aid to Africa has been estimated to have been stolen? Stealing some of the aid is a different point than what we were discussing. Later.
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 3:17 PM
You’re more concerned with whether your misperception that I said “most” applies to the situation, rather than that they’re stealing it at all.
Yes, you’re ignoring it. You’re intellectually dishonest, dodging, and a terrorist sympathizer. Please, have a Drano milkshake with my best wishes.
MadisonConservative on June 10, 2010 at 3:17 PM
Guys, Jimbo is only here to move the goalposts. It matters not what facts we lay before him – he’ll raise the bar higher. His arguments are flawed, and his logic is faulty. He isn’t interested in the truth, only in propagandizing. Stop feeding the troll.
fossten on June 10, 2010 at 3:21 PM
–So I guess the Terms of Use now allow people to tell someone else to go kill themselves?
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 3:36 PM
–So I guess the Terms of Use now allow people to tell someone else to go kill themselves?
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 3:36 PM
You have hijacked every thread on this subject, including the Helen Thomas threads, for a week, through parsing of words, obfuscation, and moving the goalposts and now you’re upeset that MadCon told you to drink a drano milkshake? Do you want some cheese with that whine?
kingsjester on June 10, 2010 at 3:39 PM
So, you’re basically radicalizing a million + people in Gaza because of (on a current annualized basis) one rocket attack every three days? Do you think they’ll grow up thinking they were treated properly or do you think they’ll grow up thinking something different?
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 2:19 PM
Jimbo3 actually thinks the people in Gaza aren’t already radicalized? Are we to take his word for this?
Jimbo3 thinks terrorists launching a high explosive device into civilian populations every 3 days is just peachy? Surely if his sister was on the receiving end of this, he’d be against it? Unless his sister married a jew of course.
Jimbo3 hasn’t said one thing that makes me think he believes the terrorists in Gaza have ever done a single thing wrong. Further, he completely ignores the facts presented here about the aid that Israel is supplying to the people infesting that hellhole, terrorists and sympathizers all.
One can only come to a single conclusion, and that is Jimbo3 hates all jews and everything to do with Israel. He wants nothing more than to march them all into gas chambers and ovens. If you think this is an error on my part, please go back and find one single positive thing he has ever said about anything to do with Israel, or one single negative thing he has ever said about a terrorist. Just one, either way. Doesn’t even have to be one of each. Just one.
runawayyyy on June 10, 2010 at 3:40 PM
How much of the aid for civilians has to be stolen to line tubby Haniyeh’s pockets before it bothers you? How do you think Arafat died wealthy?
ProfessorMiao on June 10, 2010 at 3:43 PM
No, it isn’t.
ladyingray on June 10, 2010 at 3:50 PM
That one is another flagrant troll CLEARLY bent on damaging and diminishing Hot Air.
“Keep your enemies closer” seems like the mgmt’s philosophy.
Christien on June 10, 2010 at 4:14 PM
–Right. Because anyone who doesn’t 100% agree with all the official actions of Israel has to want to kill all the Jews in ovens (sarc). That would mean most of the citizens of Israel would want to do that, because most of them don’t 100% agree with their government. Do you think about what you’re writing?
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 4:18 PM
I know which side this administration is on!
Hamas and Hezbollah. Not Israel’s. After all, to idiots raised in corrupt lefty environments a functioning multi-ethnic liberal democracy is fascist while gangland-style genocidal religious totalitarians are deserving allies.
iconoclast on June 10, 2010 at 4:19 PM
One can only come to a single conclusion, and that is Jimbo3 hates all jews and everything to do with Israel. He wants nothing more than to march them all into gas chambers and ovens. If you think this is an error on my part, please go back and find one single positive thing he has ever said about anything to do with Israel, or one single negative thing he has ever said about a terrorist. Just one, either way. Doesn’t even have to be one of each. Just one.
runawayyyy on June 10, 2010 at 3:40 PM
–Right. Because anyone who doesn’t 100% agree with all the official actions of Israel has to want to kill all the Jews in ovens (sarc). That would mean most of the citizens of Israel would want to do that, because most of them don’t 100% agree with their government. Do you think about what you’re writing?
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 4:18 PM
Note how it still doesn’t manage to say a single thing positive about Israel or a single thing negative about any terrorist. Note how all I asked for was past evidence that one of those 2 things had ever been said by it. Note that all it does is insist that I said something I didn’t. Seriously, if it has to make up stuff to make it’s argument, perhaps it needs a better argument.
Surely, if you had ever done either of these things, surely if such a statement exists, either praising a single thing Israel has done or condemning anything any terrorist had ever done, you had almost an hour to come up with it and still came up short.
Hatred is an ugly thing. If anyone’s view on anything else were so completely one-sided, you would accuse that one of exactly the same thing you have whined about being accused of. I’ll suggest it again, come up with ONE EXAMPLE or be labeled the would-be genocidist (?) I have called you.
runawayyyy on June 10, 2010 at 4:37 PM
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 4:50 PM
Blockade Gaza until they turn over every single member of Hamas over to Israel for trial and execution.
Let the entire population starve if they refuse.
Easy 30 day solution to many problems.
NoDonkey on June 10, 2010 at 4:52 PM
–Right. Just like the US should bomb and blockade Mexico until they turn over every drug trafficker and any involved in transporting illegals across our border.
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 4:55 PM
So the blockade is working then???
Or is it because the Toilet Bugs doing it have had a change of heart??
BigWyo on June 10, 2010 at 4:57 PM
–Jen, Israel is a valid country and its citizens and it have the right to exist and thrive, like every other country. No one has any right to push Israel and its citizens into the sea.
Jimbo3 on June 6, 2010 at 10:50 PM
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 4:50 PM
That’s the best you can do for a positive comment on Israel? It’s neutral at best, I said positive. And you had to go back 4 DAYS to find it???
Let’s review, you were called to the carpet for hatred and potential genocidal thoughts toward Israel. When challenged to provide any evidence at all to the contrary, the best you can come up with is a neutral statement showing that they have the right to exist. Gee, how generous of you. However, I will now take back the genocidal part of my previous rant.
Just out of curiosity, can you do anything with the other part of my rant? Ever said anything negative about a terrorist? And no, the above statement says nothing about them one way or another. Remember, another neutral statement about how they’ve really really slowed down on the number of rockets fired at civilians won’t do it. So far, you’re still batting zero.
Oh, and since you like to tell us all about your legal skills, you might think about the tactic of asking a question you don’t already know the answer to. I’ve already done the search myself, dummy.
runawayyyy on June 10, 2010 at 5:04 PM
–Doesn’t look like it was the blockade. There was a six month ceasefire in 2008 and then Israel undertook a limited military operation in Gaza in early 2009 to clean out some pockets of trouble. Things improved significantly with both of those.
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 5:08 PM
You’re really bad at analogies, and even worse at constantly putting absurd and false equivalencies into other people’s mouths.
Have you read the Hamas charter? I’ll assume that you have. Do you think they are sincere in the stated desired gaol of killing every Jew they can find?
But more to the point, how would you keep missiles from flowing into Gaza in the absence of a naval blockade?
ProfessorMiao on June 10, 2010 at 5:08 PM
And the liberals were whining about Israel’s “collective punishment” of Gazans (and genocide) during Operation Cast Lead.
But the blockade HAS worked. Several shipments of armaments, hidden away among foodstuffs, have been intercepted by the Israelis.
ProfessorMiao on June 10, 2010 at 5:12 PM
Ah, Professor, that’s the point. Jimbo3 would do nothing to stem the flow of arms into Gaza. He has no interest in stopping the conflict, as that would prove beneficial to all sides, Israel included.
See, even if it would improve the lot of the people of Gaza immeasurably, the fact that it would have benefits for Israel make it a non-starter for our small-minded friend who thinks Helen Thomas’ comments on the genocide of the jews in the middle east were just fine.
runawayyyy on June 10, 2010 at 5:15 PM
–I’m sure I’ve written that Israel has the right to act in self-defense and that the firing of rockets into Israel probably violated international law. I’ll look for it when I have time.
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 5:16 PM
Sorry, but I had to go do that little thing called “work.” Now, where was I?
Oh, yeah. Jimbo3, I’d attempt to school you on the totality of Obama’s obvious infliction, but what’s the point? You seem to have Helen Thomas’ back covered. And, quite frankly, I don’t see any real reason to have a discourse with someone of your ilk about antisemitism.
Tennman on June 10, 2010 at 5:16 PM
$400,000,000 (that we don’t have) straight into a black hole. Thanks Barack “Hussein” Obama. BTW: Birth Certificate? Education Transcripts? Medical Records? Has there ever been a politician in U.S. history who managed to hide all? I know, I know: “Nothing to see here folks…move along. . . .”
Less Dhimmicrats, Israel (still) has plenty of friends in America.
“Daddy? Have you plugged the hole yet?”
BJ Phisch on June 10, 2010 at 5:16 PM
You’re really bad at analogies, and even worse at constantly putting absurd and false equivalencies into other people’s mouths.
–If Eqypt is giving up enforcing its blockade, what is Israel going to do to stop missles from flowing in through Eqypt?
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 5:18 PM
–Right, because you throw unsupportable words at people whose views offend you.
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 5:19 PM
That “probably” word really makes the rounds when people discuss Jews.
MadisonConservative on June 10, 2010 at 5:21 PM
That’s exactly the answer I expected from you. Tah, you are a total waste of time. And molecules.
ProfessorMiao on June 10, 2010 at 5:26 PM
So what you’re saying is that you MIGHT have, at one time, MAYBE said something negative about a terrorist, specifically with respect to the firing of missiles into civilian areas being PROBABLY a violation? And of “international law”? Really? Sounds like more neutrality to me, whereas when it comes to ANYTHING concerning Israel, they are ALWAYS on the wrong side.
Jimbo3, I’m trying to help you. I don’t think you understand just how much hatred you’ve shown, no matter how obvious it is to the rest of us. When I asked you to look for those quotes of yours that I knew didn’t exist, I was trying to get you to do a little self-reflection. I think you need to realize that you really do hate jews, and I don’t think you know why. I don’t actually think you have a reason, and that’s been my point all along. Please seek help.
runawayyyy on June 10, 2010 at 5:29 PM
No, “we” don’t. I will not grieve for bloodthirsty thugs who got more than they bargained for.
DrMagnolias on June 10, 2010 at 5:33 PM
–I don’t hate Jews. I disagree with some of the things that Israel has done in the Occupied Territories. So do many of its citizens. (If you really are trying to help me, thanks, btw.)
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 5:34 PM
Not unsupportable; unsupported. There’s a difference, sport.
Tennman on June 10, 2010 at 5:36 PM
Tenman:
unsupported is not upheld by evidence or facts; unsubstantiated
unsupportable is not able to be supported or defended.
Not much difference in my book.
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 5:41 PM
My arguments would be pretty much what has been stated to you in this thread ad infinitum. You won’t see it; you can’t see it; you refuse to see it.
Just to throw it out to you one. more. time.
1. His pastor the right Rev. Wright preached an antisemitic message for his entire career.
2. Obama not only ignored Netanyahu when he came to the White House, he wouldn’t be in a photo session with him.
3. Israel is the only ally we have in the ME that is a tried and true democracy.
4. He calls us an Islamic nation.
5. He shows the souls of his feet to Israel in his photo op when he talks about the flotilla.
6. He brings in Hamas, a terrorist organization and gives them the keys to the White House, including a photo op.
7. He condemns Israel for building in Jerusalem, of all places.
8. He issues orders to a sovereign state on what he will accept in a peace plan.
9. He reaches out to the Arabic people of the ME but doesn’t accord Israel, the Jewish state, the same respect.
10. He’s an asshole. And you are carrying his and Helen Thomas’ water.
Tennman on June 10, 2010 at 5:51 PM
Well, I replied to you, but I think I was rejected by the PTB for calling the president an a**hole. my bad.
Tennman on June 10, 2010 at 5:54 PM
My arguments would be pretty much what has been stated to you in this thread ad infinitum. You won’t see it; you can’t see it; you refuse to see it.
Just to throw it out to you one. more. time.
1. His pastor the right Rev. Wright preached an antisemitic message for his entire career.
2. Obama not only ignored Netanyahu when he came to the White House, he wouldn’t be in a photo session with him.
3. Israel is the only ally we have in the ME that is a tried and true democracy.
4. He calls us an Islamic nation.
5. He shows the souls of his feet to Israel in his photo op when he talks about the flotilla.
6. He brings in Hamas, a terrorist organization and gives them the keys to the White House, including a photo op.
7. He condemns Israel for building in Jerusalem, of all places.
8. He issues orders to a sovereign state on what he will accept in a peace plan.
9. He reaches out to the Arabic people of the ME but doesn’t accord Israel, the Jewish state, the same respect.
10. He’s an incompetent idiot. And you are carrying his and Helen Thomas’ water.
Tennman on June 10, 2010 at 5:56 PM
I thought Jimbo had a crush on Helen, but now I see he is just a shill for Palestine.
Disturb the Universe on June 10, 2010 at 6:47 PM
Has anyone mentioned in this thread that Obama is a craven turd and traitor?
justltl on June 10, 2010 at 6:51 PM
Obama and company lie, the press lies, and the sheeple believe them! Wake up America!
GFW on June 10, 2010 at 7:17 PM
Our country has no foreign policy, except for anti-semitism and sucking up to foreign tyrants.
Our president is incompetent.
Our secretary of state is a blithering idiot.
We are in trouble.
Dhuka on June 10, 2010 at 7:17 PM
I want what you are smoking! Link a stats that shows that ‘most of the Israelis don’t agree with their govt’ on this particular issue….oh, I thought so, you can’t coz you pulled that ‘most of them’ from your a&^%…(by the way, this ‘most of them’ thing is called a hasty generalization’ ever went to college…and the answer is ‘no’! yeah, I thought so…)
jimver on June 10, 2010 at 7:53 PM
Jimbo3 o
jimver on June 10, 2010 at 7:59 PM
F Yeah!
tickleddragon on June 10, 2010 at 8:48 PM
–Where did I say “on this particular issue”? I didn’t. If you doubt that there’s quite a bit of debate among Israelis on issues, go read some on-line newspapers from Jerusalem.
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 9:20 PM
–It was my question that you didn’t answer.
Jimbo3 on June 10, 2010 at 9:23 PM
No such thing as a Palestinian, An Arab fabrication for Israeli land.
dthorny on June 10, 2010 at 10:33 PM
I don’t accept the premise of either of your questions. I based my original statement on the above partial list, not on your misleading rhetoric.
Tennman on June 10, 2010 at 10:50 PM
Gee’s Jimbo,,, don’t you understand and I know our last few presidents don’t is that the old PLO and the Hamas goal is to exterminate the nation of Israel. There goal is to rid the middleeast of all Jews and non-muslims. I can understand why Israel with its limited population surrounded by enemies has to do what it does to survive. I think Israel should have kept the gaza and hopefully they won’t give up the Golan Heights. It doesn’t matter how nice you are to these terrorist groups they won’t quit till they die or achieve their goal. I think the bible says something about who wins out in the end too Jimbo.
garydt on June 10, 2010 at 10:56 PM
can’t believe the fool that you are. so, why on earth we would care and what is the particular relevance for our discussion here if the Israelis disagree with their govt on say, agricultural policies or tomato growing or orange export…I mean seriously, how many functional neurons have you had left? oh, all gone? I thought so…I wish I could say ‘I fell for you’, but I don’t, sorry.. If you were not talking about ‘this particular issue’, then what issue were you talking about? The one in your head whereby you hear voices that compel you to post on this forum even though you don’t understand the topic discussed. Of course the Israelis disagree with their own govt on a variety of issues, they are a democracy, there is even a funny saying in Israel translating something like : ’2 jews – 3 opinions’. But I guarantee you that a majority of Jews agree with the blockade in Gaza (because of the weapon flow) and they support their govt on that. So anything else that you might have been talking about in your head – did it have anything to do with the topic du jour?…No! I thought so…And don’t you preach me about reading the Israelis newspapers, I do read them daily…if you get your information from Haaretz, don’t even bother, their left loons are no different than the left loons here…you are the best example BTW…
jimver on June 10, 2010 at 11:08 PM
I knew Pence was challenging Obama when AP put up the previous quote from him.
You have our support Congressman Pence.
scotash on June 11, 2010 at 2:35 AM
Boo-hoo. The boor Balestinians!
Shy Guy on June 11, 2010 at 3:23 AM
How many expect a response from the President?
MSGTAS on June 11, 2010 at 9:54 AM
Thank you Mr. Pence, sad you even have to ask.
wi farmgirl on June 11, 2010 at 10:41 AM
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