Politics creates strange bed-fellows. Following Obama's speech in
Cairo, several interesting aspects have surfaced, .... some in response to the
speech.
1. In the USA, generally liberal pro-Israeli / Jewish groups have teamed up
with right-wing conservative / Christian groups. Some in the right-wing
religious movement have never liked the idea of peace in the Mid-East. Their
theories are: Sooner the Mid-East blows-up, faster the prophecies will be
fulfilled; and earlier Armageddon (end of the world) arrives. I do not know
what / how the pro-Israelis groups have found common-cause with groups
with such right-wing thought-processes.
2. Some in right-wing groups, both in Israel and in the USA, are pro-defense.
Greater the uncertainties in the Mid-East, greater the need for high and
low-technology arms and ammunition to several countries the area. Peace in the
Mid-East is a deterrent to war, and hence a nemesis of arm-manufacturers and
arm-merchants. These groups are well represented by the ruling coalition in
Israel and in the US congress.
3. Prior to and during the Iraq war, we were told by Republicans that the
mainstream (vast majority) of Muslims are good; and the threat is really from
the fringe group of Muslim extremists. These were called Islamo-fascists;
against whom an international war was proclaimed. This line of reasoning was
presented several times on Goanet. President Obama's Cairo speech has given
legitimacy to the billion+ law-abiding Muslims and the Holy Koran. Now, the
true colors of the conservatives are being revealed; who now blame the whole
Muslim religion, psychology, and the governemnts of their many mid-East
countries etc. This choir is led by columnists like Charles Krautheimer, George
Will, Bill O'Riley etc. And may be reproduced on this site, straight from the
right wing 'talking points'.
4. Stirring the pot against President Obama are the expected Fox News
commentators, and right-wing radio talking-heads like Rush Limbaugh. These
groups hate everything that Obama says or does. Not far behind these groups are
members from the leaderless "Party of NO" (a.k.a. Republican Party) - both
their representatives in Congress and the several wannabe presidential
aspirants for 2012.
5. The right wing through its magazine has also succeeded in alienating the
Asian Indians. See:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/05/inational-reviewi-perplex_n_211931.html
6. In one week, the Republicans have succeeded in alienating Hispanic groups
with Obama's supreme court nomination; and Muslim groups with their reaction
to his Cairo speech. Clearly the Republican party needs mid-level pundits who
can coordinate and advise the disparate voices. The party has no long-term
strategies for winning elections. With Party chairman - Steel hemmed-in,
likely he has very little influence of any of the divergent voices. The party
needs some well thought-through strategies, rather than the current chorus of
'Blame-Democrats' and 'Blame-Obama'.
Regards, GL
