See below for reactions by Virginia politicians to the Jerusalem embassy ceremony (and the issue in general) and the terrible situation in Gaza. My comments will be in red following the quotes. If you see any more quotes from Virginia politicians, let me know and I’ll add them. Thanks!
Sen. Tim Kaine: “U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, the top Democrat on the foreign relations subcommittee that covers the region, told Reuters the situation was ‘tragic’ and said ‘It’s not viewed as the U.S. trying to solve a problem, it’s viewed as the U.S. just stepping away from the problem, and that’s sad.'” Yep, that pretty much nails it. Trump has f’ed this one up “bigly.”
Abigail Spanberger for Congress (VA-07):
“Last December, the President made a unilateral decision to move the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, an act that ignored the opinions of foreign policy experts and violated our decades-long commitment to letting negotiations decide the status of Jerusalem. As feared, violence erupted in response to today’s Embassy opening, a tragedy that was as avoidable as it was predictable. The world now watches as an American President’s recklessness brings further instability to the Middle East.
The willful disregard for diplomacy demonstrated here is the same we witnessed with the revocation of the Iranian nuclear treaty. It has put Israel’s security at greater risk, and damaged our credibility on the global stage. It’s imperative that we begin demonstrating principled, measured leadership once again, not the thoughtless and short-sighted approach we’ve seen as of late. If elected to Congress, I will work with fellow members who value diplomacy to resolve these conflicts and re-establish the United States as a reliable and mindful world leader. #defenddiplomacy“
Spanberger hits the nail on the head about how this tragedy “was as avoidable as it was predictable,” and how Trump’s “recklessness” and “willful disregard for diplomacy” puts Israel “at greater risk” while accomplishing absolutely nothing positive.
Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA08): “The scene of violence and death in Gaza today is appalling. I urge restraint and the pursuit of peace.” Short statement, correct but somewhat vague.
Edwin Santana for Congress (VA-01):
“The mass killing of protesters in Gaza is unacceptable, and can be directly tied to this administration’s bull-in-a-chinashop approach to diplomacy. The fragile situation in Israel requires a nuanced understanding of the region and a strategic approach. Donald Trump has proven incapable of either, and the problem is exacerbated by a congress that has abdicated any of its responsibility.
Compounding the instability in that region has been President Trump’s haste to dismantle the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (Iran Nuclear Deal). It mirrors his decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, solely because they were agreements worked out by the previous Obama Administration. His actions further degrade our global standing and send a bad message to other nations around the world who should now think twice about entering into agreements with the United States. This could have dire consequences in bilateral talks with North Korea, who will have no incentive to believe the United States will uphold its commitment to any agreement made.
Congressman Rob Wittman has had a hard time hiding his giddiness at the prospect for expanded military and wartime spending, responding to President Trump’s decision to withdraw that ‘now, more than ever, we must invest in rebuilding our military.’ President Trump’s only instinct is to check off bad campaign promises to satisfy his shrinking political base, while Wittman’s sole concern is to ensure the Defense Industry gets the endless funds it needs, regardless of the number of Americans that will be sent overseas to die to achieve that aim.
Now, more than ever, we need a Congress that is willing to carry out its duty as a check on the executive branch. Now, more than ever we need members of congress who understand the vital necessity of diplomacy, and the consequences of war. President Trump and his congressional rubber-stamp, Rob Wittman, are moving our country, and the global community as a whole, in a dangerous direction. We cannot afford to be dragged back towards the neocon foreign policy of interventionism, endless wars, and military buildups. We have to elect progressives who will oppose this foreign policy and who will seek peace and diplomacy and reinstall the United States as a global leader.”
Wow, that is a superb statement — Santana gets the award so far out of all the Virginia politicians’ statements on Gaza/Jerusalem for: a) getting it; b) articulating it really well. In short, get this guy in Congress ASAP; we need people like this desperately, just as we need to get people like Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA01) the hell outta there desperately.
“What an honor to be a part of the U.S. Delegation in this holy city on this historic day. Thankful to President Trump for acting on his promise and bipartisan American support to put the U.S. Embassy in Israel’s capital, Jerusalem.”
Taylor is too stupid for words, on this issue and every other issue pretty much. He has GOT to go this November!
“Yeah, I sure do [think Trump did the right thing in moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem]. I mean we all grieve for the deaths yesterday; that is horrendous and we’re waiting to hear the Washington Post is doing some reporting on the causes of that as of yesterday. So we’ll wait until all the evidence comes in to see what’s going on. But Israel – in my book, I wrote The American Underdog if people ever want to check that out – I said three pillars made the country great: the Judeo-Christian tradition, the rule of law and free markets. And Israel is a strong proponent of all three and that’s why they’re so successful. I went over there a year ago and it is amazing, when you and you go up north of Jerusalem and you see the Palestinians, there’s a seven-mile-wide spread in Israel and the planes are flying over and shoulder rockets could get to the planes etc. And they pointed out that the Arab and Muslim world goes all away from that seven-mile strip all the way over to India. And so it’s amazing that you have conflict only in these narrow little bands that are going on. And so I think that’s going to take a long time to sort out. But standing up for Israel, its sovereignty, its right to have embassies where they want, our right to put our embassy where we want, I mean I’m all in favor of it.”
Brat is, if it’s humanly possible, even stupider than Scott Taylor. What is this blather? Get HIM outta there this November too!
Del. Ben Cline (GOP candidate for Congress in VA-06): “Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years. Thank you President Trump for bringing American policy in line with biblical truth!” F’ing moronic.
E.W. Jackson (R) for U.S. Senate: “Today we make history. America moves its embassy in recognition that Jerusalem is the undivided and eternal Capitol of Israel. Praise God! Thank you Pres. Trump…Instead of insults and strain between Israel and America per the prior admin, President Trump has strengthened and deepened American ties with Israel, as it should be.” Same comment as I made for Ben Cline.
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