Rand introduces bill to defund Palestinian foreign aid

[Rudeman]

it places conditions on the foreign aid, which means that then foreign aid is ok? still, the bill should be supported. but it's a bad bill, it is pandering to Israel in a shameless way. if Schumer had introduced it, then sure vote yes. but to sponsor it is not good.

I agree that there is pandering but it isn't necessarily a bad bill. Keep in mind Rand has already tried other methods of trying to cut foreign aid that were unsuccessful. If Rand is able to accomplish it, even if partially does it really matter that it required a bit of pandering? I know it annoys certain people that pandering is required at all but that is the political world we live in.

 

[rich34]

it places conditions on the foreign aid, which means that then foreign aid is ok? still, the bill should be supported. but it's a bad bill, it is pandering to Israel in a shameless way. if Schumer had introduced it, then sure vote yes. but to sponsor it is not good.

Yeah, pandering so much that this is the second time now that AIPAC has come out against it.. I understand that many don't understand that on the surface yes this looks like pandering, however, when stepping back and taking another look it's more like exposing. Pandering while exposing at the same time. Genius, I'd expect nothing less from the son of Ron Paul.

 

[Brett85]

If Rand had introduced a bill that cut foreign aid specifically for Israel but for no one else, there would be no objection at all from anyone here. It's all about Israel and the irrational obsession people have with Israel.

 

[KingNothing]

Ron Paul supports removing foreign bases, do you think he wouldn't vote for removing just 1?
Ron Paul opposes the wars, do you think he wouldn't vote to end 1?
Ron Paul opposes several government agencies, do you think he wouldn't vote to end 1?


What makes you think Ron Paul believes in all or nothing?

Ron Paul supports eliminating income tax, and voted for decreasing income tax.

People who eschew incrementalism are displaying really foolish ideas. And yes, I know that our Grandfather hated incrementalism. He was extremely wrong about that.

 

[KingNothing]

If Rand had introduced a bill that cut foreign aid specifically for Israel but for no one else, there would be no objection at all from anyone here. It's all about Israel and the irrational obsession people have with Israel.

This is 100-percent true.

He'd also be lauded by plenty of people here if he introduced a bill that read simply, "Israel smells like pooh-pooh, and I don't want to be friends with them anymore." There are some posters that just hate Israel.

 

[Warlord]

This is 100-percent true.

He'd also be lauded by plenty of people here if he introduced a bill that read simply, "Israel smells like pooh-pooh, and I don't want to be friends with them anymore." There are some posters that just hate Israel.

Maybe we hate giving them money

 

[EBounding]

I really don't understand the shock and outrage here...would Ron Paul vote no on this bill?

 

[LawnWake]

If Rand had introduced a bill that cut foreign aid specifically for Israel but for no one else, there would be no objection at all from anyone here. It's all about Israel and the irrational obsession people have with Israel.

It's not the same, though, is it? Proposing cutting spending on Israel specifically is a lot more politically brave (though sadly, political suicide) than proposing cutting spending to Palestine.

 

[jjdoyle]

If Rand had introduced a bill that cut foreign aid specifically for Israel but for no one else, there would be no objection at all from anyone here. It's all about Israel and the irrational obsession people have with Israel.

100% incorrect. Just flip this bill's title and call it the "Defend Palestine by Defunding Israel Foreign Aid Act of 2015", with the condition that Israel must recognize Palestine as a country and give up land from previous wars if they want continued funding. Does that help you see what is wrong with this bill? The only irrationality is people trying to justify the stupidity of this bill...

 

[Brian4Liberty]

It's clear that Rand is taking a fairly strong pro-Israel position. Everyone should take that as a given. Rand is pro-Israel. Accept it as fact, and then perhaps there will be no need to debate Rand's position for the next two years.

 

[willwash]

It's clear that Rand is taking a fairly strong pro-Israel position. Everyone should take that as a given. Rand is pro-Israel. Accept it as fact, and then perhaps there will be no need to debate Rand's position for the next two years.

He seems to waffle on it. I've read quotes where he supports ending all foreign aid (which, because I refuse to make "special" caveats to such statements for "special" countries, speaks for itself). I've also read quotes where he sounds like Lindsey Graham on the subject.

The real danger with Rand is descent into wind sock territory.

 

[Brett85]

100% incorrect. Just flip this bill's title and call it the "Defend Palestine by Defunding Israel Foreign Aid Act of 2015", with the condition that Israel must recognize Palestine as a country and give up land from previous wars if they want continued funding. Does that help you see what is wrong with this bill? The only irrationality is people trying to justify the stupidity of this bill...

This bill would be better if it just cut off all aid to the PA authority without any conditions attached. Of course, it would be even better if it ended all foreign aid to every country. But I'll take one country at a time.

 

[dillo]

If Rand had introduced a bill that cut foreign aid specifically for Israel but for no one else, there would be no objection at all from anyone here. It's all about Israel and the irrational obsession people have with Israel.

Maybe some, but I would say most people here just hate AIPAC and the influence it has.

 

[Brett85]

Maybe some, but I would say most people here just hate AIPAC and the influence it has.

If they hate AIPAC, then they should support Rand's bill, since AIPAC opposes it.

 

[cajuncocoa]

If they hate AIPAC, then they should support Rand's bill, since AIPAC opposes it.

Why do you suppose they oppose it? Has anyone given a reason?

 

[Brett85]

Why do you suppose they oppose it? Has anyone given a reason?

I think part of the reason is that they oppose foreign aid cuts in general, because they reason that if foreign aid begins being cut, then ultimately foreign aid for Israel could be cut as well.

 

[philipped]

I think part of the reason is that they oppose foreign aid cuts in general, because they reason that if foreign aid begins being cut, then ultimately foreign aid for Israel could be cut as well.

I feel ike that makes the most sense out of this whole thing to me when you tie back that rule that war is the health of the state.

 

[cajuncocoa]

I think part of the reason is that they oppose foreign aid cuts in general, because they reason that if foreign aid begins being cut, then ultimately foreign aid for Israel could be cut as well.

For all of the pretty DEFEND ISREAL language in the bill, it will probably backfire on Rand then. You can't play both sides against the middle. If that's the perception, and AIPAC opposes it, Rand just ends up pissing everyone off. Go figure.

 

[jjdoyle]

This bill would be better if it just cut off all aid to the PA authority without any conditions attached. Of course, it would be even better if it ended all foreign aid to every country. But I'll take one country at a time.

I think you're right the bill would be better off without the conditions attached, and without the current stupid short title. Ron Paul would probably vote for it in that instance. I still don't think the bill still would pass, as I doubt this one will either, but it might possibly show that Rand has some understanding as to why we were attacked on 9/11 instead of acting like he doesn't know or doesn't care.

And why is Rand targeting Palestine anyway? Shouldn't he start with countries that get the most foreign aid and don't even need it? Or, start with countries that get the least? Palestine is in the middle of the ones listed receiving foreign aid...

I understand he is doing exactly what he hopes can be used for good political ads this year and I don't doubt they will be professionally made; but it won't probably matter much in states like Iowa, South Carolina, or the rest of the southern states. I'm not even sure how big of an issue this is in New Hampshire, considering Ron Paul got 2nd in the state and was actually attacked by another candidate in the state. So, who exactly is this aiming to appease? People that will always keep Rand a "2nd choice"?

So, Rand Paul COULD have had a solid "No Foreign Aid" policy, but he has lost it now with his approval of funds to Israel, and even this bill which has strings attached to the foreign aid. And for what?

 

[maybemaybenot]

Foreign aid is a tiny non-issue that gets people riled up. It counts for 0% of the budget. It should get phased out because it stunts the development of the countries receiving it. But Rand only talks about it because the average voter thinks foreign aid makes up 30% of the budget.

I don't get the loyalty Americans have toward Israel. Israel is a Marxist, foreign country. But just as puzzling are Ron Paul supporters who support Palestine and hate Israel. The Palestinians are much worse. Supporting the Palestinians is one of those things along with liking Dennis Kucinich, Glenn Greenwald, Jesse Ventura, and Elizabeth Warren that I will never understand.

Lol ffs, someone who makes sense. I'm super pro-Israel in an Arab-Israeli conflict sense, but we need to end aid to all of them. To side with the Palestinians is a joke. Lol they condemn these terrorists for murdering frenchmen for pics of Muhammad... but Palestine executes ppl for criticizing Islam too. They're no different. Not saying I like Israel's system either, but Palestinian Sharia law is an entirely different level of savagery. Just end aid to all of them, the ppl here who blame Israel for the conflict are just boasting about their ignorance.