re: #109 HoosierHoops

Okay, that’s fine. Like I said, this is an impression. Full disclaimer, I live in the Northeast. I’m a former Catholic—and was always taught the religious debt to the Jewish religion (but I’m agnostic and perhaps an atheist now, thank you Jesuit college). I feel more in tune with the Jewish religion than any evangelical christian one because the Catholic faith is, in many ways, culture bound like the Jewish faith. That said, I truly want to understand what seems to me—as a center-left agnostic, Independent voting (seriously) Massachusetts resident—what the Republican deal is with Israel?

And honestly, I’m not a Democrat. I’m just not. I loved Weld. Voted for Romney. Was dismayed when he suddenly became anti-gay and anti-choice. I have a big beef with the Democratic congress right now.

But what I don’t hear is that Republican’s back Israel because they are a democracy in the middle east. That I understand. And that—I think—isn’t a Democratic or Republican issue. It’s an American one. So, what I think my question is, is this: is it that Republicans are more hawkish in their approach to defending Israel’s democracy, and Democrats are more diplomatic in the dealings between Israel and Pakistan?

To be clear, I see egregious behavior on the part of both Pakistan and Israel. But the history of these states is modern, and convoluted, and beyond complicated.

I would like the Republican party to shed the pretense of religious defense. Please, be agnostic in your approach. Because that, at least, seems more honest to me.

And the Democrats—be honest about what the end game will be. Because having a democracy in the middle east is a good thing, yes. But will you defend it? Always? And if you think they are wrong, will you allow them to stand on their own and risk the demise of that democracy?

And for both parties, how far will you go? And why? And why are you posturing about who loves Israel more?